Mets-Rangers exchange may have created new suitor in Red Sox's outfield trade market

A blockbuster trade on November 23 turned the hot stove on quite early this offseason. The Texas Rangers and New York Mets shocked baseball when they made a straight swap, with Brandon Nimmo headed to Texas and Marcus Semien making his way to Queens.

It came as a true surprise to Mets fans, who had watched Nimmo make his way through their minor leagues, debut with the squad, and sign a long-term extension. Nobody expected the 32-year-old outfielder to don a different uniform on Opening Day due to the almost $100 million he's owed over the next five seasons and the multitude of injuries he dealt with in the recent past.

The trade also weakens an already-lacking Mets outfield. Before the trade, the Mets were projected to have Nimmo in left field, Tyrone Taylor in center, and Juan Soto in right to start next season, with Jeff McNeil serving as both an infielder and outfielder. Now, McNeil slotted into the outfield with his primary position at second base occupied by Semien. With an outfield in need of upgrades, this could be the opportunity for the Red Sox to make a trade.

One or both of Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu are likely to be traded this offseason. The Mets have a massive need in the outfield. They project to be massive spenders this winter again, but analysts think they will be attacking the starting rotation with their available budget, meaning they could look to the trade market to shore up their pastures.

Any of the Sox outfielders would provide a massive upgrade to the Mets. Taylor posted a OPS under .600 in over 100 games. McNeil is a primary second baseman, who spent most of his outfield time in center this season.

The Red Sox could utilize the Mets to retool their farm system

Initial thoughts about the Red Sox's offseason were that they could use their outfielders to upgrade their rotation, but that doesn't necessarily have to be the case. The Mets don't have the No. 2 starter the Sox are looking for, but that shouldn't rule them out of any trade with Boston. According to JustBaseball.com's recently updated Top 100 prospects, the Mets lead all MLB teams with eight players in the Top 100.

The Red Sox farm system has taken a hit due to trades and graduations over the last year. Boston could just as easily use one of their outfielders to rebuild their farm system. The Sox especially have a dearth of position players, and according to Just Baseball, five of the Mets' eight in the Top 100 are position players, including three infielders.

Boston can go either way if it trades one of their outfielders. Fans would probably hope for a number two starter, but building a consistent contender means having a deep farm system. If Craig Breslow decides to sign a starting pitcher, maybe he should call up the Mets to deepen the farm.