Will Mets' latest trade acquisitions make an impact in 2021 season and beyond?

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen made two trades before the MLB deadline on Monday, as he hopes these new additions will help push the Mets into the postseason.

The first trade was with the Texas Rangers that brought Todd Frazier back to Flushing, and Robinson Chirinos came with him as well. Miguel Castro was dealt for with the Baltimore Orioles, as he'll add some bullpen depth.

These trades show that the Mets are still in win-now mode, and they believe the 2020 postseason is still in reach despite a 15-20 record with only one month left to play. But what do these players have to offer for the Mets next season?

Let’s take a look at whether or not these three acquisitions will have an impact next season and potentially beyond:

Todd Frazier

He was a fan favorite with some memorable moments in his two seasons with the Mets, in particular his game-tying, three-run blast in the ninth inning back on Aug. 9, 2019 against the Nationals at Citi Field.

Frazier is slashing .241/.322/.380 with two homers, seven doubles and seven RBI in 31 games this season. He’s also jumped around the corner positions in the field (16 games at first base, 15 at third base) while only DHing in three contests. With this Mets squad now, Frazier can be versatile in filling in where need be for Luis Rojas. Also, there’s the leadership factor to think about, as Frazier was a great clubhouse presence while with the Mets.

But Frazier, who will be 35 when next season gets underway, has a club option for 2021 with a $1.5 million buyout and the Mets already have pieces present to play his positions. Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis cover third base depth, while Pete Alonso and Dom Smith are at first base. All players are arbitration-eligible. 

And though it will still need to be discussed whether or not the DH will remain universal again next season, Robinson Cano figures to be that man on most nights if it does happen, especially with the way his season is going.

Though he brings energy and leadership to the team, Frazier just has too many key Mets pieces in his way.

Miguel Castro

Castro is a sinker-baller that throws gas, averaging 97.5 mph on the pitch. He also features a tight slider with a changeup to round out his repertoire on the mound. He’s been hit hard this season (92.4 average exit velocity on balls in play is bottom six percent in MLB), but his strikeout rate is through the roof at 34.3 percent (top nine percent in the league).

Oh, and he is under team control for the next two seasons.

So, Castro has the opportunity to not only be an impact bullpen arm for 2021, but 2022 as well. And he’s only 25 years old at the moment, so this could turn out to be a nice trade for Van Wagenen depending on how he performs.

The Mets have Edwin Diaz, Dellin Betances, and Jeurys Familia all under contract for next season, which would presumably be the backend of the pen. But, in Betances’ case, he is experiencing injury again (right lat tightness) while struggling with down velocity this season. Though he has a 2021 player option for next season, Betances can be bought out for $3 million.

Castro, then, could perform well enough for the Mets to think he is the better, younger option to take over that role. Betances turns 33 next March. Either way, Castro can be a quality arm out of the bullpen next season, and possibly beyond.