**Mets Trade Former Top Prospect to Minnesota Twins**
Despite the all-star break, the New York Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, has been active in making moves. On Tuesday, the Mets traded veteran infielder Rylan Bannon to the Minnesota Twins, with the exchange expected to involve cash.
**Rylan Bannon Heads to the Twins**
According to Ben Yoel, the Mets traded Bannon, a former top prospect who was part of the trade that sent Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bannon has had limited major league experience, playing parts of two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Astros, totaling just 21 plate appearances and going 2-for-20 with a walk and eight strikeouts.
Bannon joined the Mets on a minor league contract last December and has performed well for Triple-A Syracuse, appearing in 79 games with a .254/.392/.475 slash line, 15 home runs, 57 RBIs, seven steals, and an impressive 17.5% walk rate. He played multiple positions, including second base, third base, shortstop, and both outfield corners.
**What Does This Mean for the Mets?**
While Bannon’s trade may be surprising given his strong performance, it makes sense for the Mets. There is a logjam at each of the positions Bannon has played this season, and others would likely be called up over him. Trading Bannon allows the Mets to get something in return, likely cash, for a player who might leave in the offseason.
Additionally, this trade frees up Bannon’s 342 plate appearances for the first half of the season, allowing other players to potentially make an impact for the Mets soon.
