As the trade deadline approaches, a DH upgrade may seem like an obvious need for the Mets, but it’s far from a sure thing. Despite below-average production from the position, the team hasn’t shown much urgency to address it. David Stearns recently singled out center field—not DH—as the most disappointing spot in the lineup, saying, “The one position where we haven’t gotten the level of production that we probably anticipated coming into the year is center field.” That comment offers some insight
into the Mets’ thinking: rather than targeting a pure DH, they may see a bigger opportunity in upgrading over Tyrone Taylor in center — a move that could provide a similar offensive boost.
Even if the Mets were inclined to upgrade at DH, they’d face a crowded, expensive market. Contenders like the Yankees, Astros, Cubs, and Mariners are all hunting for the same thing: a right-handed power hitter who can handle DH or play some third base. Due to this, in combination with the roster log-jam such a move may create, it seems that a splashy addition at DH is unlikely.
That’s not to say the need isn’t real. The Mets rank sixth in the majors with a 109 wRC+, suggesting strong rate production overall, but sit just 14th in total runs. Situational hitting has been an issue: they’re 19th in wRC+ with runners in scoring position (100), and their platoon splits are increasingly imbalanced. They’ve crushed right-handed pitching (114 wRC+, sixth in MLB) but have struggled against lefties (93 wRC+, 15th).
That gap in splits isn’t driven solely by the DH spot, as Mets designated hitters have posted a 95 wRC+ against righties (25th in MLB) and 92 against lefties (19th). But the position as a whole is a clear weak point on offense.
The internal options are limited. Starling Marte’s return offers a glimmer of hope; before his knee injury, he was quietly productive, hitting .275/.356/.395 across 59 games. His career splits are balanced, but at 36 and coming off a lower-body issue, it’s unclear how much he can provide down the stretch. Jesse Winker has remained unreliable health-wise, and Mark Vientos has struggled badly in 2025, especially against lefties. Unless one of them finds another gear, the most realistic path to improvement likely lies outside the organization — even if the odds of that happening remain low.
If the Mets surprise and pursue a bat, Eugenio Suárez would probably be the best on the market. The righty is hitting .252/.325/.593 with a 149 wRC+ in Arizona and would slot into the Mets’ lineup nicely, but with multiple contenders circling and the Diamondbacks clearly selling, he’s expected to draw significant interest. The Yankees, in particular, are desperate for help at third base, as that position has posted a 54 wRC+ this season. With this in mind, it’s hard to see the Mets outbidding them or others for a short-term upgrade of that caliber.
Lesser bats such as Taylor Ward might be more attainable. Ward is having another quietly productive year (117 wRC+, 23 HR) and owns a .936 OPS against lefties in 2024. He’s also under team control through 2026, which could appeal to the Mets—but would also raise the asking price significantly. With the Angels now 5.5 games back in the Wild Card race, it’s clear they’ll consider moving some pieces.
Yoán Moncada could represent a lower-cost alternative from the Angels. The switch-hitter has posted a .230/.329/.484 line with a 122 wRC+, and his improved plate discipline—11 BB% to a 25 K%—is reminiscent of his 2021 form. But with a career .705 OPS against lefties, he doesn’t address the Mets’ platoon issues and would be more of a stopgap than a solution.
Ramón Laureano is also a potential fit. He’s quietly having a career-best year in Baltimore, posting a .279/.340/.515, 139 wRC+ over 75 games with great peripherals. He also has a strong track record against southpaws, though his OPS against them has actually decreased in 2025.
Other names like Ryan O’Hearn of the Orioles (strong overall numbers, but a .564 career OPS vs. lefties) and Marcell Ozuna (historically great vs. lefties, but middling in 2024) come with obvious flaws that make them more awkward fits for the Mets’ specific needs.
In the end, the DH spot remains an under-performing part of the Mets’ offense, but it will probably stay that way. Between Stearns’ comments, the competitive market, and a front office that values long-term flexibility, a meaningful addition feels more unlikely than inevitable.
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