Nori Aoki Traded For Peanuts, Mets Miss Out

Norichika Aoki has been traded from the Brewers to the Royals for relief pitcher Will Smith, according to CBS Sports. Aoki, a 31 year old outfielder with .287/.355/.399 numbers offensively, should provide a nice boost to the Royals lineup. Smith, meanwhile, is a 24 year old lefty with 35 career appearances and an ERA just south of 5.00.

Well, this is disheartening. After repeated reports that the Brewers were unlikely to trade him, he lands in Kansas City. This was a deal the Mets could have beaten, and should have beaten, with prospects. Aoki's numbers would have been a good fit in the lineup, and he would have made an ideal hitter in the 2 spot, putting Wright and whomever ends up batting fourth in RBI spots.

Frankly, it just becomes difficult to look at deals like this that the Mets could have made and see another franchise land the player. Looking at Aoki's numbers, we certainly could have afforded some near major league ready talent for him, at least above and beyond Will Smith. It's not even the cool Will Smith for crying out loud!

Effing Mets.