The New York Mets, who for weeks were silent in the trade market to the displeasure of the fans and media alike, have started become agressive in building a playoff caliber team.

On Saturday, the Mets acquired third baseman Juan Uribe and utility player Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves for a couple minor league pitchers. This afternoon, New York strengthen their bullpen even more by trading for Oakland A's reliever Tyler Clippard.

They now have two major league hitters that add more flexibility in their infield. Both Uribe and Johnson are contributing since coming to New York,  Johnson hit a home run in his first game with New York in a 15-2 blowout against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The next day on Sunday, Uribe hit the walk-off hit in the 10th to push the Mets past the Dodgers again, 3-2.  

By adding A's right-hander Tyler Clippard for pitching prospect Casey Meisner, the Mets have depth the rest of the regular season, and if they make the playoffs with have a replacement for Jenrry Mejia, who was suspended for PED use and isn't eligible for postseason play.

What's next? The Mets are looking to solidify the lineup with another outfield bat. The Mets have been linked to a lot players, but Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce has been coming up more frequently this week as the deadline fastly approaches on July 31st.

Apparently, the Mets have matched up well enough to get injured pitcher (Tommy John) Zack Wheeler's name involved, whom the Reds have interest in.  The money saving Reds traded soon to be free agent right-hander Johnny Cueto to the Kansas City Royals and now are looking to unload more, possibly Bruce.

According to the rumor mill, the Mets could unload Wheeler, infielder Gavin Cecchini, and two minor league Single-A prospects to get it done. There's even speculation the Mets could try expanding the trade for first basemen Joey Votto with names like Brandon Nimmo and Lucas Duda going back to Cincinnati, but that might be ludicrous. The Mets have the prospects to get something done, even if it's just for Bruce. The Reds, who are looking to save, might mean playoff profits for the Mets. Jay Bruce is batting .254 with 16 home runs and 54 RBI.

Other outfielder names that are on the Mets list are the Milwaukee Brewers' Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gomez, Detroit Tigers slugger Yoenis Cespedes, and San Diego Padres All-Star Justin Upton and Will Venable.

The Mets have competition for the Brewers' two outfielders, Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gomez. Gomez is getting interest from several teams, including the San Francisco Giants. The price is high  and the Mets think Gomez is not worth the price of prospects Brandon Nimmo, shortstop Amed Rosario and Zack Wheeler.  The Mets see Parra as someone who can leadoff and take the burden off center fielder Juan Lagares from time to time. Parra is being pursued by the Mets, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and an unknown team for his services. The Mets on Thursday reportedly almost had a deal in place to send Parra to New York, but it fell through and the Mets called up prospect Michael Conforto for Friday's game and put the ailing (knee) Michael Cuddyer on the disabled list.

Padres outfielder Justin Upton might be on the move to Baltimore, as the Orioles are in talks for his services. The deal might get expanded upon and Padres pitchers Andrew Cashner or Tyson Ross might be on the move as well.

The Tigers have outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on the open trade market and the Mets have interest, but could be priced out of their range. 

The Mets if all else fails could use backup options in Will Venable of the Padres or Marlon Byrd of the Reds to fill in the gaps.