The Mets need to trade up in many ways ,and yesterday they addressed their lack of major league outfielders by acquiring Collin Cowgill from the Athletics for Double-A infielder Jefry Marte.
Cowgill provides a desperately needed right-handed bat in the outfield and will be a lock to make the team. He can play all three outfield positions.
Scott Hairston’s days with the Mets could be over. Hairston hit 20 home runs last season and is looking for a two-year deal.
Cowgill, 26, split time between Oakland and Triple-A Sacramento last season, hitting .269 (28-104) with two doubles, a home run and nine RBIs in 38 games with Oakland. Cowgill, who throws left-handed and hits right-handed, was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the fifth round in 2008 out of the University of Kentucky, was traded to the A’s in December 2011 as part of a five-player deal. Cowgill is a .255 hitter in 196 major league at-bats with five doubles, two home runs and 18 RBIs.
Marte, 21, batted .251 (116-462) with 61 runs scored, 20 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 58 RBIs in 129 games for Double-A Binghamton last season