MLB insider says Mets are 'grimacing' over trade-deadline developments

MLB insider Jeff Passan of ESPN shared somewhat of an interesting take regarding what individuals within the New York Mets may think of the club's unexpected form ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

"Deep down, the Mets are grimacing at their recent run of success," Passan wrote for a piece published Tuesday. "They're too inconsistent to warrant adding players at the deadline if the cost is in prospect capital, and they're good enough that divesting themselves of a player like [All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso] would send a bad message to their woebegone fan base."

While Passan seemingly was having some fun about McDonald's mascot Grimace becoming a good-luck charm in the eyes of Mets fans, he either intentionally or unintentionally suggested that team owner Steve Cohen and/or president of baseball operations David Stearns was ready to make out-of-contract contributors such as Alonso available to other teams when New York sat at 24-35 earlier this month.

A funny thing then happened, as the Mets located some positive momentum en route to producing a seven-game winning streak. Most recently, they improved to 37-39 on the season via Sunday's 5-2 win at the Chicago Cubs that became a secondary story due to the ejection and subsequent 10-game suspension of closer Edwin Diaz.

Passan mentioned in Tuesday's article that the Seattle Mariners could target the previously mentioned Alonso. Others have linked Alonso with the Mariners for months, but the "Polar Bear," who turns 30-years-old this coming December, recently reiterated he wants to stay in New York City and with the Mets.

There's no sign Alonso and the Mets will come to an agreement on a contract extension before the trade deadline arrives or before he reaches free agency this fall.

"For Seattle, Alonso would represent the middle-of-the-order bopper its current lineup currently lacks — and desperately needs," Passan added.

That's all well and good, but the Mets entered Tuesday's MLB action just one-and-a-half games back in the battle for the National League's third wild-card playoff spot. Cohen likely understands his paying customers wouldn't tolerate the club punting on a campaign with a postseason berth in reach even if doing so is better for the organization's long-term future.

Then again, conversations about the Mets' short-term plans could quickly change if the club endures another losing streak with Diaz out of action for a minimum of 10 games.