Mets 3-for-1 trade proposal brings $123 million All-Star to Queens

The New York Mets need an upgrade in center field if they want to win the National League East and have a realistic chance at winning the World Series.

Tyrone Taylor is an exceptional defender, but he does not bring much to the plate. Jeff McNeil has seen some time in center field, but he is needed at second base. Realistically, the Mets could play McNeil at either position, depending on what they do at the trade deadline.

The Mets are hoping to be contenders beyond just this season. They could find a rental on the trade block, but SNY's Joe DeMayo proposed this trade that would land them Jarren Duran from the Boston Red Sox:

• Mets receive: Jarren Duran
• Red Sox receive: Brandon Sproat, Ryan Clifford and Blade Tidwell

"The Mets would have probably the best outfield in baseball with Brandon Nimmo in left, Duran in center and Juan Soto in right. Duran is having a somewhat down year by his standards, with a .749 OPS," wrote DeMayo. "But he does have 25 doubles, 10 triples, eight home runs and 16 stolen bases at the All-Star break."

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Duran was an All-Star last season, and Spotrac projects him to sign a $123 million deal when he hits free agency in 2029. He is still an upgrade offensively over Taylor, and would allow McNeil to stick at second base. He may be the odd man out in the Red Sox outfield, and could help the Mets contend for the next few years.