Here is a collection of relevant trade rumors based on my recent conversations with rival team executives, MLB insiders, local reporters, and people connected to the Mets...
According to SNY's Andy Martino, the Mets have moved past the idea of trading Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard and are instead focusing on trading Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz.
However, in addition to Matz and Wheeler, teams looking for a mid-rotation starting pitcher are also looking at Tyson Ross (Padres), Marco Estrada (Blue Jays), Mike Minor (Rangers) and at least a handful of other more experienced and reliable arms.
In the case of Minor, a team like the Yankees could end up getting him by agreeing to pay all of his contract (three years, $28 million), then bounce him between the rotation and bullpen -- where they're desperate for a left-handed reliever.
Matt Harvey (Reds) should be on the above list. But, insiders say interested teams are leery of his recent success, during which he has a 2.31 ERA in four starts. His slider looks strong and he's walking fewer batters, but opposing batters are still putting the ball in play against him.
Talk of the Nationals having interest in him is very overstated, according to friends in D.C. Instead, they're more likely to go for a pitcher like Ross.
Speaking of Harvey...
The Reds acquired Harvey from the Mets on May 8 for Devon Mesoraco, who has hit the third-most home runs in the NL since being acquired.
The Astros are rumored to be looking for a veteran catcher. If that's the case, the Mets should pitch them Mesoraco, who is on pace to be a 1.2 WAR catcher this season in advance of being a free agent. He's due roughly $7 million the rest of the season, some of which the Mets would need to absorb to get a deal done...
Speaking of catchers...
Marlins C J.T. Realmuto still looks to be more like a candidate for a contract extension than a trade. The Mets were among several teams to ask about him this past winter and earlier this season and they all left convinced he isn't getting dealt before next season.
Speaking of the Marlins...
They are looking to flip multiple relievers for more mid-level prospects. Given the quality of their available arms, Miami is going to dictate the market for relievers.
Every summer, every contending team is looking to add to their bullpen, so the Mets will see interest in Jerry Blevins, Anthony Swarzak and Jeurys Familia. However, with every team that decides it is out of contention, demand likely goes down, and the return for these guys drops accordingly.
It's still amazing to me that 80s and 90s Yankee legends Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly are the face of the Marlins.
In a recent podcast, which you can subscribe to here, I said I'd never root for a team other than the Mets. However, if Mike Piazza purchased, say, the Rays and hired David Wright to be his manager, it would be difficult to not root for their success.
Opening Day, 2018: David Wright tips his cap to cheering fans at Citi Field. Credit: Matthew Cerrone, SNY
Speaking of managers...
Joe Girardi, 53, and Buck Showalter, 62, are expected to be looking for new managerial gigs in 2019. So, if you're concerned about Mickey Callaway and hope a new front office will consider making a change, bringing in one of these two veteran managers will be worth chewing on...
Matthew Cerrone (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Contact) is lead writer of MetsBlog.com, which he created in 2003. He also hosts the MetsBlog Podcast, which you can subscribe to here. His new book, The New York Mets Fans' Bucket List, details 44 things every Mets fan should experience during their lifetime. To check it out, click here!