Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen has expressed his want to win next season, and he is exploring all avenues to create a roster to achieve that goal.
And all avenues includes the prospect of trading RHP Jacob deGrom and RHP Noah Syndergaard.
In an in-depth interview with SNY's Andy Martino at the GM Meetings, Van Wagenen responded to Martino's question about a potential trade for deGrom or Syndergaard, saying nothing has been taken out of the cards just yet.
"I haven't ruled out anything," he said. "I think that's one of the messages we've tried to give to teams and agents down here -- is that we're going to be open-minded to all scenarios. I think with the mission statement to win now and in the future, I think the goal is to try and find players that can help us do that. And that may be acquiring players at no consequence via trade, or it may be something we're going to have to give something in order to get return. But we'll keep our eyes on all those things."
During the Mets' struggles last year, the idea of trading one or both of the team's top rotation pieces was brought to light as the trade deadline came around. However, the Mets decided to keep not just deGrom and Syndergaard, but Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz as well.
Van Wagenen obviously understands the All-Star level of play both of these pitchers possess, especialy having served as their former agent before being named to his current role with the team.
After such a dominating season that lands deGrom a Cy Young-favorite and Syndergaard once again providing a great season behind him, these two aces would need a very loaded trade package from opposing teams to even consider a trade. But, going back to Van Wagenen's win-now mantra, players like deGrom and Syndergaard are extremely valuable to making that happen. So, his priority may be looking into what free agents are available that can make an impact next season.
Many are wondering whether or not Van Wagenen will go after an elite talent like Manny Machado. And while he isn't allowed to delve directly into specific players, he did mention that players of all skillsets will be looked at in terms of value to the Mets.
"I think whether it's Manny Machado or any other free agents out there, there's a lot of guys that have a lot of talent," Van Wagenen said. "There's a lot of guys that can add value to our team. But whether or not it makes sense to actually sign those guys, or whether we're able to match up in terms of what our expectations are on either side remains to be seen."
A player like Machado would deem a hefty contract, but Van Wagenen points out the Mets are not committed to many big contracts beyond the 2020 season. That is why he isn't blocking out any potential deals no matter how large the sum might be.
"I think the reality of that situation gives us some flexibility in terms of how we structure contracts, but we haven't gotten to the point where we're looking at the mechanics of deals," he explained.