Mets Grab Billy McKinney from the Brew Crew

On Tuesday, May 25th, the New York Mets successfully acquired former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Billy McKinney. In exchange, the Mets agreed to trade away their 17-year-old minor league pitcher from Venezuela, Pedro Quintana. This marks the 4th in-season trade the Brewers have made this season, and we’re not even halfway through the season.

Behind the Trade

This action doesn’t necessarily pop out as a big trade or massive move made by the league. Rather, this is a building block and stepping stone for the Mets as they added a piece to the puzzle in what they think will help them capture the World Series pennant in Major League Baseball.

McKinney, who is now 26 years old, was just removed from the 40 man roster a few days prior to being traded. He hasn’t exactly gotten off to the hottest start of his career. In his 100 plate appearances with the Brewers, he posted a batting average of .207 with just three home runs.

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In his young career, McKinney has bounced around a little bit from team to team, belonging to the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, the Brewers, and now ultimately the Mets. He carries a .226 batting average along with him throughout his career in the majors. Defensively, McKinney brings speed to the Mets outfield playing both left and right field.

The acquisition of McKinney will certainly add some much-needed outfield depth to a Mets team that almost seems like they lose a valuable asset each night on the diamond. Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, Kevin Pillar, and Albert Almora Jr. are all currently on the injured list. Those are household names and players that are keeping the Mets a contender for the World Series this season.

Benefits for Both Teams

A trade of this nature works to benefit both the Mets and the Brewers. Recently, the Brewers finally got their top 4 outfielders active and healthy again. Playing time for McKinney was decreasing as his performance wasn’t necessarily improving at all. In New York, he will be coming to a team that is in need of a hero.

McKinney is coming to a very fortunate situation in New York with the Mets. He has the opportunity to earn himself a spot in the Mets lineup by playing well. He’s still young at 26 years old, it’s not too late for him to take a deep breath and restart his MLB career.

Finding Billy McKinney’s Role

McKinney was slated to play right field and bat cleanup in his first game with the Mets until it was unfortunately postponed due to heavy thunderstorms in New York. Prior to the cancellation, McKinney spoke to the media, saying, “The fact that they have me batting fourth tonight, it’s an honor, but now it’s time to go out there and play our game and win. That’s the goal.”

Manager Luis Rojas feels comfortable playing McKinney at all 3 outfield positions even though he hasn’t had experience in the majors playing center field. “He’s a good player, good outfielder, and gives good at-bats. He can give us something that we don’t have right now from a defensive standpoint and also from a lineup presence.”

McKinney seems excited for his opportunity with the Mets, and I, for one, am very excited to be able to see if he takes advantage of the hand he has been dealt. The Mets need some support if they plan on making their season last as long as possible. McKinney can be a part of that support system in leading to any future successes.