In one of probably hundreds of similar phone calls that the Mets have made in recent days and weeks, one team official reached out to the Milwaukee Brewers recently to ask about trading for one of Brett Anderson or Eric Lauer, according to league sources.
The Brewers were not interested in engaging in those talks, and they did not progress.
But the call itself is evidence of what Zack Scott, Sandy Alderson and their group continue to be focused on, even while keeping an eye peeled for the Kris Bryants, Trevor Storys and Javy Baezes of the world: Solid if unsexy pitching depth.
As SNY reported, the team checked in on Max Scherzer and learned the ace didn’t want to play for them. It was worth asking, especially with all the uncertainty surrounding Jacob deGrom’s health.
But overall, they’ve been working to build out the back of their rotation, and add bullpen pieces. Considering that TBA has started three games for New York this week alone, that is probably a wise move.
As for acquiring a star position player, it has been mostly quiet on that front, per sources. The Chicago Cubs are said by other teams to be moving at a deliberate pace in doling out their stars.
And as the two trades for significant rental bats have already shown, jumping early usually means a higher price. The industry was surprised last week that Minnesota was able to pry a solid pitching prospect, Joe Ryan, from Tampa Bay for Nelson Cruz -- and even more surprised on Wednesday that Oakland traded a talented (albeit struggling) young pitcher in Jesus Luzardo for Starling Marte.
If the Mets don't want to overpay -- and they are loath to move prospects at this deadline -- they know that they’re best served to wait until closer to the deadline.