The New York Mets were regularly in the rumor mill regarding a possible move for a potent hitter ahead of this season's MLB trade deadline. Even as there was much speculation that they would end up acquiring an All-Star hitter such as Juan Soto, Mets general manager Billy Eppler opted for low-risk, high-reward moves instead to bolster the lineup, which included the acquisition of slugger Daniel Vogelbach from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Mets were also linked with now-former Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell in the weeks leading up to the Aug. 2 deadline. The current NL East leaders reportedly were “expressing strong interest” in completing a trade for the one-time All-Star.

As noted by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Mets submitted “prospect offers” to the Nationals for Bell. Ultimately, the Nationals decided to include the first baseman in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade with the San Diego Padres, as they simply aimed to haul in the “biggest package of high-end prospects possible.” From the Mets' standpoint, they remained stern on not pushing to trade any of their “coveted top-five prospects.”

Overall, the Nationals received quite an array of notable prospects from the Padres for both Soto and Bell, including Robert Hassell III and James Wood — both of whom currently rank in the top 50 of MLB.com’s prospect rankings.

Related NewsArticle continues below
New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) hits a two run double in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field.
Mets’ Carlos Mendoza wasn’t surprised by Juan Soto’s breakout game vs. Dodgers
New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) hits a RBI sacrifice fly during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
What Mets’ Juan Soto was thinking on first extra-base hit since May 9
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) interacts with New York Yankees second baseman Jorbit Vivas (90) during the first inning at Yankee Stadium.
MLB rumors: When Yankees were still ‘convinced’ about Juan Soto before Mets decision

Had the Mets acquired Bell, he very well may have been called on to fill their designated hitter role for the remainder of the campaign. Bell has had his fair share of struggles over his early run in San Diego. The soon-to-be free agent sits at a .175 batting average to go along with an OPS+ of 71 through 27 total games played with the NL West side.

On the other hand, the Mets have received promising production from Vogelbach, who leads the team in starts at DH since the trade deadline with 26. He boasts a .398 OPB and an OPS+ of 147 in 33 contests played so far for the Mets.

For now, the Mets are looking to hold off the Atlanta Braves for the top spot in the NL East standings. They are in the midst of a three-game home series with the Nationals.