The New York Mets (36-39), with the help of McDonald's mascot Grimace, have inserted themselves back into the wild-card race. Now, New York's NL representative finds itself in a precarious position as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
The Mets could be both buyers and sellers this summer, via The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
“It's June 22nd, they don't have to make any decision just yet,” Rosenthal said. “What's interesting about the Mets is that they could do both [buy and sell]. If they stay in the race, obviously they won't concede and trade everyone. But, they have starting pitching depth, which most teams do not have. You see today, Jesus Lazard on the Marlins goes on the injured list, Patrick Sandoval from the Angels leaves his start last night with an injury. The Mets have this depth, and they could take advantage of it.”
While the Mets only rank 19th in the league with a 4.12 team ERA, they have 13 hurlers on staff with a sub-4.00 mark, including three starters.
“They could trade Jose Quintana, or for an even bigger return, Luis Severino…they've got Senga coming back, they've got some guys in the minors, Christian Scott, Jose Butto,” Rosenthal continued. “They could do all that and still maybe get a setup man, and go forward with still a very competitive team.”
Severino has been the ace, turning in a 4-2 record with a 3.52 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Dealing him would be risky, especially with Senga not yet back up to speed.
Quintana, though, is more expendable. The southpaw is 3-5 with a 4.58 ERA, including a team-leading 12 homers allowed. It would make sense to deal him for a decent position player and/or quality prospects.
What direction will New York go in?
The Mets should buy more than they sell if they're serious about the playoffs
Before the team's recent seven-game win streak, trade rumors around star first baseman Pete Alonso were swirling in full force. Now that New York has rebounded, though, Alonso has no desire to leave Queens, via MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
“We are playing winning baseball. For me, this is a special place,” Alonso said. “I love the guys and the staff in the clubhouse. This is home. … If I don’t get traded, which I hope I don’t, it means we are playing winning baseball, we are clicking and we are doing what we are supposed to be doing as a team. We are winning games.”
Trading a mid-level pitcher is one thing, but the Mets should guard their core players with their lives. If a team isn't in the cellar, there's no reason to blow it up. There's still plenty of time to surpass the .500 mark and go on a run.
With that being said, the team could use another contact hitter or two. Trading someone like Quintana for a position player hitting .270 or above would do wonders for the team, as it doesn't have even one player hitting .300.
While New York's front office is unlikely to show its hand before any deals are made, there are only a few weeks left to get something done in-season.
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