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5 Ways the New York Mets Can Improve Before the 2015 All-Star Break

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Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

5 Ways the New York Mets Can Improve Before the 2015 All-Star Break

Familia Murphy New York Mets
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets and Washington Nationals have been going back-and-forth in first place throughout most of the season. Until recently, the Mets have been playing better than expected and the Nats haven't been playing up to to their potential. In order for the Mets to keep up and stay competitive into September, there are a few changes they need to make first.

5. Trade For a Reliever

Aroldis Chapman New York Mets
David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

5. Trade For a Reliever

Aroldis Chapman New York Mets
David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Some people feel the Mets need another presence alongside Jeurys Familia in the back of the bullpen. It would certainly benefit the Mets to have a reliable, and permanent setup man for the eighth, but the reality is it’s not a huge need for the Mets and the price may be too high. Then you look at a team like the Yankees and see what they have in the eighth and ninth, and it’s hard to pass up.

4. Get Infield Help

Troy Tulowitzki New York Mets
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

4. Get Infield Help

Troy Tulowitzki New York Mets
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Pick a position, aside from first. The Mets can use some help there. Daniel Murphy has been on the rise lately, and Wilmer Flores and Ruben Tejada have been pleasant surprises but none of them are All-Star level players this year. With David Wright on the shelf for the time being, adding an offensive infielder would immediately push the Mets into contender consideration. Notable players include: Ben Zobrist, Martin Prado, and Troy Tulowitzki.

3. Call Up The Prospects

Steven Matz New York Mets
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

3. Call Up The Prospects

Steven Matz New York Mets
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY SportsSteve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The reason why the Mets are playing so well now is due to their flourishing young players. With still plenty more in waiting, namely: Matt Reynolds, Steven Matz, Gavin Cecchini, and Brandon Nimmo, the Mets can really drop their average age while simultaneously increasing their talent. It’s a win-win. And the Mets aren't losing any playoff-experienced veterans since they really don't have any.

2. Trade For an Outfield Power Bat

Jose Bautista New York Mets
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Trade For an Outfield Power Bat

Jose Bautista New York Mets
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The outfield is already a bit crowded right now, but Curtis Granderson and Michael Cuddyer really aren’t contributing regularly. Perhaps the most interesting name is Jose Bautista. He would give much-needed depth to the lineup, would afford protection for Lucas Duda and would be a reasonable player for trade for; the Toronto Blue Jays desperately need pitching.

1. Reduce the Rotation to Five Men

Matt Harvey New York Mets
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. Reduce the Rotation to Five Men

Matt Harvey New York Mets
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The easiest solution will have the biggest impact. If and when Dillon Gee or Jon Niese begin playing well, get rid of them. The more games that Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, and Noah Syndergaard pitch, the more games the Mets can win. If the Mets are able to unload both pitchers then they have Steven Matz, whom they can promote. This team is built on pitching; let them lead the way.

Matt Turner is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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