September trades in Major League Baseball don’t happen often, but the New York Mets were in a tricky spot after losing All-Star Jeff McNeil to a wrist injury.
So, the Mets made a deal with the Boston Red Sox to fill the gap, acquiring veteran infielder Eddy Alvarez.
Here’s everything you need to know about the trade, how it affects the Mets, and the other moves that didn’t happen.
- The Mets traded for veteran Eddy Alvarez after Jeff McNeil got hurt, looking to strengthen their infield.
- Alvarez can’t play in the postseason because the trade happened after September 1, raising questions about the Mets’ strategy.
- The Mets might regret not going after Michael Kopech, who’s been great for the Dodgers and could’ve been a big help in the bullpen.
Mets and Red Sox Pull Off Rare September Trade
Trades in September are pretty unusual in Major League Baseball, but the New York Mets found themselves in a tough spot, so they made a rare move.
When Jeff McNeil, one of their key players, injured his wrist after getting hit by a pitch in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, the Mets had to act fast to fill the hole in their infield.
To solve this, the Mets traded with the Boston Red Sox to get veteran infielder Eddy Alvarez.
Nonetheless, the Mets didn’t waste any time and promoted Alvarez right away, showing how badly they needed help.
Alvarez, who’s 34 years old, isn’t new to the big leagues. He’s played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins but hasn’t had many chances to shine.
In 50 major league games, he’s hit just .183, with a few other stats that aren’t too impressive.
However, what makes Alvarez valuable is his ability to play nearly every position on the field, except for catcher and first base.
Because of that, this flexibility makes him a handy addition to a team struggling with injuries.
How Eddy Alvarez Could Help the Mets Infield
Alvarez’s versatility in the field comes at a perfect time for the Mets. They’re missing a key player, and Alvarez could help cover that gap.
While he’s not known for his hitting, he’s done much better in the minor leagues.
In Triple-A, he’s hit .277 over his career, and in 2024, while playing for the Red Sox’s minor league team, he posted a decent .247/.348/.463 line. And with numbers like that, this shows he could be a solid option if the Mets need him to step up.
What’s interesting about Alvarez is that he’s not only a baseball player—he’s also an Olympic silver medalist in speed skating.
Alvarez won a medal in the 5,000-meter relay at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. He has said his Olympic experience taught him discipline and hard work, which he’s brought into baseball.
“I got to the highest level in a sport, and I understand what it takes and what hard work is,” Alvarez explained in an interview with the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
“I would definitely say that’s my advantage, knowing what it takes, not being blindsided by anything, and that helps my game overall.”
But there’s one big catch: because the Mets trade happened after September 1, Alvarez won’t be allowed to play in the postseason.
Given the circumstances, this raises questions about his impact on the Mets’ quest to make the playoffs.
Mets Say Goodbye to Pablo Reyes, a Fan Favorite
The Mets had to make a tough decision: they designated Pablo Reyes for assignment to make room for Alvarez on the roster.
Reyes, 30, had become a fan favorite during his time with the Red Sox in 2023 and 2024.
One of his standout moments was hitting a walk-off grand slam in 2023, giving Red Sox fans something to cheer about during a tough season.
Reyes had a rough start to 2024, which led to the Red Sox letting him go. He was picked up by the Mets and spent most of his time in their Triple-A team before getting called up for a short stint.
In fact, he only appeared in one game for the Mets, and while he didn’t get an at-bat, he did score a run as a pinch-runner.
Now, Reyes is once again in the position of fighting to keep his major league career alive.
No matter what happens next, those moments in 2023 will always be a highlight for Red Sox fans who remember Reyes fondly.
The Trade the Mets Might Wish They Made
While the Mets addressed their infield issue by trading for Alvarez, some feel they missed out on improving their bullpen—a shaky part of their team.
One name that could’ve made a big difference is Michael Kopech, a pitcher who’s recently turned things around with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Before the trade deadline, Kopech wasn’t having a great season with the Chicago White Sox, with a 2-8 record and a 4.74 ERA.
But since moving to the Dodgers, he’s been lights out, allowing only one earned run in 17 innings and striking out 21 batters. His ERA is an incredible 0.53, and his WHIP is an equally impressive 0.52.
Earlier in the season, there were talks about the Mets going after Kopech before the trade deadline. Former Mets GM Zack Scott even suggested trading pitcher Dom Hamel for him, which now seems like it could’ve been a steal for the Mets.
Adding Kopech to their bullpen would’ve been a game-changer, especially since other bullpen additions like Huascar Brazoban and Ryne Stanek haven’t been as consistent.
Looking back, Kopech’s amazing performance with the Dodgers might make the Mets regret not making that trade.
If they had, their bullpen might be much stronger as they push toward the postseason.
As the season winds down, the Mets must deal with these decisions and hope they made the right moves.
