Mets’ Perfect Trade Target: Jake Burger Could Platoon With Jared Young at First Base
Young’s role at first base
New York is expected to seek help at first base after Pete Alonso departed last winter. Jorge Polanco, who replaced him, dealt with injuries during the 2026 season and is likely to be used mainly as a designated hitter next year.
Young stepped up during Polanco’s absence, batting .266 with a .330 on-base percentage and .429 slugging percentage in 103 games. He also recorded 17 doubles, nine home runs and 39 RBIs, but the article argues his production does not yet warrant giving him the full-time job in 2027.
Burger brings power
Jake Burger, a right-handed hitter with the Rangers, is presented as a possible trade fit. He has hit at least 28 home runs in three of his four full major-league seasons.
His bat speed of 75.7 mph and 12.3% barrel rate both place him at least in the 80th percentile, according to Baseball Savant. In 2026, Burger hit .228 with a .302 on-base percentage and .421 slugging percentage, adding 23 doubles, 28 home runs and 90 RBIs.
Platoon could suit both
Burger’s results varied sharply by pitcher handedness. He hit .215 with a .659 OPS against right-handers, compared with a .265 average, 12 home runs and an .891 OPS against left-handers.
A split role could give Burger more chances against left-handed pitching while allowing Young to face favorable matchups. The article says Burger could potentially become the everyday starter if he improves against right-handers, with Young moving to the bench or designated hitter role.
Trade cost and team plans
The Rangers are reportedly willing to trade several key players as they seek to reallocate money while keeping payroll near $190 million, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported. MLB Trade Rumors projects Burger to earn $6.9 million through arbitration, and he has two seasons of team control remaining.
The article suggests his inconsistent hitting and first-base position could make him less costly to acquire than established options such as Yandy Diaz or Christian Walker. Burger also recorded plus-1 Outs Above Average at first base last season. If New York spends heavily on targets such as Tarik Skubal or Michael King, a lower-cost trade for Burger could be attractive; Ty France and Paul Goldschmidt are mentioned as free-agent alternatives.
Key points
- Jake Burger could complement Jared Young in a Mets first-base platoon.
- Burger hit 28 home runs and drove in 90 runs in 2026.
- He hit .265 with an .891 OPS against left-handed pitching last season.
- Burger has two seasons of team control remaining.