As the Mets head to the trade deadline, this team is clearly in a position to sell, and they should look to sell every player they have on an expiring deal.  Certainly, if the Mets are offered a good return for Curtis Granderson, the team should trade him.  But with him being 36 years old and with his being a fourth outfielder at the moment, are teams really going to offer the Mets something of value for Granderson?  At this point, it doesn’t appear likely.

And in some ways that’s actually good for the Mets.

At the trade deadline, it is eminently possible, the Mets will move Jay Bruce, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Lucas Duda.  If the Mets are able to move these players, it will create an opportunity for the Mets to play Gavin Cecchini, Brandon Nimmo (once he returns from the Disabled List), Amed Rosario, and Dominic Smith. It will be a small sample size, but we will find out if these players are ready to be big pieces of the Mets in 2018.

One of the ways the Mets can make their transition to the majors smoother would be to have a strong veteran clubhouse presence to show them what it takes to succeed in the major leagues.  We saw how Cliff Floyd took a young David Wright under his wing, and we have seen Wright become the consummate professional.  Obviously, you would want Wright to be that for another player.  Unfortunately, with the myriad of health issues he faces, it is difficult seeing him be that player.  With that being the case, the best player to do that for the Mets would be Granderson.

And really, who better than Granderson?  In his time with the Mets, he has done everything the team has asked.  He’s moved all over the batting order.  The team has shifted him across the outfield.  This year, they made him the fourth outfielder despite his arguably being one of the top three outfielders on the roster.  This is exactly the type of guy you want around your young players.  You want them speaking with Granderson.  You need to have Granderson showing them what it takes to succeed in the major leagues.

It is also a reason why you want to keep Granderson beyond this season.

Re-signing Granderson not only means you’re bringing back the player.  It also means you are bringing back the man.  The man who does everything right on and off the field.  He is a model human being that has played in New York for eight years.  He should be telling players how to prepare for a game, how to deal with teammates, how to balance being a ballplayer and helping your community, and how to deal with the press.  Having Granderson around will help put the young players in a position to succeed.

Another consideration is you probably need Granderson the player next year as well.  Considering Granderson will be 37 next year, it is not likely he will get many offers to be a starting outfielder.  In fact, he may very well get none.  If that is the case, re-upping with the Mets is likely his best bet.

Since coming to the United States, Yoenis Cespedes has had chronic leg issues.  We have seen that arise the past two seasons with Cespedes landing on the Disabled List.  While he’s still young, Michael Conforto has been snake bitten a bit with a wrist issue last year and a bone bruise this year.  Certainly, with their health issues, you want a fourth outfielder whom you can trust to play everyday.  You can trust Granderson.

Look, if the Mets are blown away with a trade offer, you have to trade Granderson.  If Granderson gets a starting outfielder job, especially one for a contender next year, he has to take it.  With both situations unlikely, the Mets should be talking about a contract extension with a player who they need to have a profound impact next season.