With the possible exceptions of the Blue Jays’ J.A. Happ and resurgent Padre Tyson Ross, it doesn’t appear any front-end starters will switch teams prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Even though Happ’s amid a fourth straight quality season and Ross has bounced back from major injury troubles, nobody would consider either as aces or players capable of bringing back enormous returns in the coming weeks. The opposite is true in regards to the Mets’ Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, two elite, controllable starters who have come up in trade speculation as the season has progressed.
With the Mets in the throes of an embarrassing campaign in which they’ve plummeted to 31-43 after an 11-1 start, odds are they’ll be inclined to sell before the deadline. And while they’re reportedly willing to listen to potential offers for everyone on their roster, their front office is divided over whether to actually entertain proposals for either deGrom or Syndergaard. One thing’s clear: Their farm system, which Baseball America ranks as the game’s fourth worst, would stand to benefit significantly if the Mets were to part with one or both of their aces.
Despite the potential long-term gains that would come from a deGrom and/or Syndergaard bidding war among contenders, making either available isn’t an obvious decision for the Mets. If New York’s counting on returning to relevance in the near future, both players would factor prominently into a turnaround, given that they’ll remain under affordable control for a while longer. The 29-year-old deGrom comes with arbitration eligibility through 2020 and Syndergaard, 25, isn’t due for free agency until after 2021. The Mets may elect to retain them, then, hoping that those two and a position player group including Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, 2018 injury case Yoenis Cespedes, Todd Frazier, struggling youngster Amed Rosario and struggling veteran Jay Bruce help key a return to contention next season.
Part of the reason this has been a disastrous year for the Mets has been the absence of Syndergaard, who went on the disabled list May 29 with a a strained ligament in his right index finger. It’s the second straight year the Mets have had to make do for an extended period sans Syndergaard, who only threw 30 1/3 innings in 2017 on account of a partially torn right lat. Syndergaard’s reportedly progressing in his recovery, though, and his trade value remains immense – as Mets general manager Sandy Alderson suggested when speaking to the media Friday.
“I know how we view him and where he will be once we get him back and I know how the rest of baseball views him,” Alderson said (via Erin Fish of MLB.com). “For that reason I say I know what we have, but at the same time you never say never.”
Along with his “never say never” line, Alderson noted (via David Lennon of Newsday) that the Mets would have to consider offers for their aces if a team comes to them saying, “We’ll give you all of our top-20 prospects.” So, barring an absolutely overwhelming proposal for either deGrom or Syndergaard, it seems the Mets will retain the pair through the season. Should New York do that, though, or would the team be better off trying to bolster its farm system by moving one or both in the next month?
(poll link for app users)
[polldaddy poll=10039216]
Trade deGrom asap while he has peak value and wait until the offseason to trade Thor. The Braves and Phillies are ready to win now after their rebuilds and Washington is still Washington. The Mets won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
I see Yanks Brewers and Angels as the best fits. I also don’t see them trading that big of a name within the division.
Yanks-Brewers have the need and can offer great prospects. The Angels definitely have the need but don’t have enough to get him.
Other than Hiura, who would the Brewers offer? Realistically, the package framework would need to be comparable to the Sale/Quintana deals.
Yea, Degrom now his value will never be higher and the Wilpon’s won’t go on a spending spree to give the current team a shot in the next two years and their farm system is not good.
Wait on Thor unless someone is going to give you similar to what you get for Degrom. Thor will have high value in year or two if he can stay healthy.
Trade either one for the mother load, both have value that should bring back a slew of prospects.
Plus, if you do that, then you don’t have to wait out a full rebuild. Depending on who they get in return, 2020 would be a realistic target to contend.
mother lode*
Trading both SHOULD set them up with a ton a blue chip prospects needed for a significant retooling if not a rebuild. What then do the Mets do with the likes of Cespedes, Bruce, and Frazier? Cespedes seems destined to live out most of his remaining contract on the DL, Bruce is capable of solid production though he done anything but that so far this year, and Frazier seems like a place holder.
I think the worst thing the Mets can do here is nothing. Staying the course doesn’t give them a legit shot at being a contender in the near or far term.
Cespedes had two years remaining after this year, as well as Bruce, and Walker only one. If they truly go for prospects, they can time it. Much depends on who and what level they get in return, and where (position).
“Walker only one.”
Who is Walker? Neil Walker was a Met last year but he’s a Yanqui now.
My bad. Frazier.
Ah. Now it makes sense. Carry on.
Hey Solaris,
Fred Wilpon’s secretary, Wilma wants you to know that she read your comment and Fred is committed to doing nothing. “The fans are unrealistic that we have to keep fixing this team. Keep paying for the tickets and watching SNY tells us that we are doing the right thing for this franchise,”
“Fred Wilpon’s Secretary, Wilma wants you to know . . . “
Trolling again, I see. You need some new material, mikeyank.
They’re NOT TRADING deGROM ….
TheY’rE nOt TraDinG dEgrOm
They’d be crazy too.
– Tom Seaver
A’s should get one of them
Someone, anyone…….please explain to me how Sandy Alderson continues to be employed by a major league baseball team to do anything other than scrub toilets.
He preaches the owner’s rhetoric and does as he’s told.
Different owners have different agendas, though they’ll never express it publicly. Some view it as a bottom line business, some care more about winning than others, some want to win too much, At the end of the day, all 30 heads of baseball operations in MLB have 30 different job descriptions. Based on Alderson not being fired, I’d imagine he’s doing the job to the satisfaction of the Wilpon’s. The one thing he probably cares more about than winning baseball games is his own job. Can’t blame him for that. A fish rots from the head down.
Alderson is boys with the ownership. That’s why he’s not fired yet.
He uses the same barber (Flushing $5 Cuts) as the Wilpon’s and they are afraid that Sandy will spill the beans on them. The story goes that they are a bit too loose with their talk when they hang with the boys.
I don’t see the justification in trading both and personally I’d trade Thor between the two. You can receive a good haul for either one, however if you trade both and when and if those prospects you receive are ready to promote in a few years , you essentially find yourself trading for a pitcher of the same caliber as Degrom or Thor in order to truly contend…and the cycle goes on.
Agreed, though moving both covers more territory and offers up more talent for tomorrow if done correctly. Keep in mind, they can receive pitching prospects in return as well, just add they did when they acquired Thor.
Moving both at the same time reduces the value they’ll get back. Simple supply and demand. If you over supply, the price drops.
Also a lot of talk of Degrom getting traded to the yankees. There is no way that happens unless they cough up Torres.
You have no idea what it would take for the Yankees to acquire deGrom.
What would it take for the Yankees to acquire deGrom?
It’s really hard to get into since it will never happen, but if for some reason it did Torres is not part of it. If I had my druthers the player I’d headline it with would be Andujar, add in Florial, Medina, and Adams. That’s a major league player Andujar, the Yankees #1 prospect Florial, their #5 prospect in Medina a pitcher, and an arm in AAA Adams. I’m pretty sure every Yankee fan is gonna roast me for this offer, but deGrom would be the Yankees #1B ace alongside Severino, something they’re gonna need in the playoffs. In a best of five series I don’t trust any Yankees starter after Severino, but believe me I’d definitely feel confident with deGrom taking the ball in game two.
Drury, Frazier, Sheffield, Estrada
That won’t get arguably a top five pitcher in all of baseball in “deGrom”, nor will anybody lowball like that. Drury is a utility player, they have no need for Frazier, Sheffield maybe in a stronger package, Estrada is hurt and having a horrible year(he’ll probably drop out of the Yankees top ten when MLB.COM figures in draftees). The Mets are gonna want higher upside position players and pitching prospects, like Florial for one.
Lol
Can we stop with including Drury in trade proposals? He’s nothing more than a better fielding Wilmer Flores.
I’d rather get Clint Frazier over Andujar. We would be dumb to take Andujar over Frazier
Switch out Estrada for Medina and add Erik Swanson.
The Mets are in no position to make demands. They have once again reached a new low as a franchise and their attendance is heading south, literally speaking in both numbers and towards Philadelphia. With an anemic offense that shows up occasionally, a porous defense and a bullpen that coughs up runs at will, they run the risk of a mutiny with deGrom. The only reason that Noah hasn’t mouthed his opinion is that well, he’s hanging on the DL.
You’re not being offered Frazier anyway and of course you have no need for a talented 5 tool outfielder. The package that will be offered will be weak and maybe the front office’s lack of sensibility will lead them to act desperately and take it.
Its the same “thinking” as the panic in signing Cespedes to the crazy contract, and the Hot Stove’s geriatric signings this past winter.
It makes no sense. That’s the Mets’ way!
Torres, Frazier and Sheffield should get it done. Mets could attach Cabrera if the Yanks feel they’re weakened at 2B. Either way, I doubt a deal will ever materialize between the two teams – both will be paranoid of getting the worst of the deal.
Of course a drastic overpay can get it done. I think you are really undervaluing every piece of that package, especially Torres.
I think Degrom stays or the brewers finally make the move they didn’t do last season.
Perhaps look at it this way…Chapman and Miller for deGrom and Cabrera. And you still maintain deGrom for another year.
Yes they should, to the Orioles, for Chris Davis. They can even throw in their highest prospect for us to keep Manny Machado. Yeah…I think that’ll work out just fine haha
If they can restock their farm system, go for it.
Trade de Grom and Fred Wilpon to Boston for John Henry.
That would be the best trade in the Mets history.
For what Garrett Cole got imagine the packages that the Mets could get…..
Gerrit Cole package wasnt that good. Colin Moran seems OK though
Trade Thor, he’s softer than the other side of the pillow. Gets hurt every year
Syndergaard has probably run out of time to rebuild his value before the deadline and prove he’s healthy for a big second half. The Mets should absolutely capitalize on deGrom and his great first half. He’s 30, the time is now. He would potentially put a lot of contenders over the top as their ace or co-ace. The Mets are in the driver’s seat and don’t need to compromise. They have two years to trade him if necessary. Make somebody pay or pass for now.
What stops you from trading the other if you move just 1? Phillies, Nats and Braves have arrived. Mets have an obvious rebuild with not a great roster around them 2 right now. Don’t lose out on the value of them because what happened with Harvey can happen to any pitcher fast.
They should trade both, ideally. They arent contending (or even close to contending) with the roster they currently have, they are spending a lot of money, they have both deGrom and Thor and yet the best they looked was when they went 11-2 in the beginning of the season. I dont see a reason to keep both if keeping both isnt netting you a playoff spot. Maybe you could trade one, keep the other, if the idea is the pitcher you keep will still be on the roster by the time the team is ready to contend again. At that point you could trade either one. I dont know who I’d rather trade. You can keep Thor till 2021 while you can keep deGrom till 2020, but deGrom seems to be the better pitcher. They both have had some injury concerns, so if they were bent on keeping one, i’d keep the one im most confident with when looking at the medicals.
That said, it would be foolish if they trade neither.
If the Mets trade one, or both, pitchers they will have a team without a full starting rotation, still no bull pen, a bunch of prospects agreed to by Alderson, and a bunch of players no one else will take.
I think you’re right. What the Mets need to do is spend money for a better lineup but that probably won’t happen either
NO WAY.
Mets can be Ready to compete next season for playoff spot.
Trade Syndergaard for at least 4 premiuim prospects which includes at least one or two top notch pitching prospects close to major league ready. who opens next season in the rotation.
Trade Wheeler for several prospects which includes one very good starting pitching prospect who can open next season in the rotation.
Trade Familia for package that includes one top notch pitching prospect.close to big league ready.
Trade Cabrera for prospects.
Sign Degrom to extension.
Rotation:
Degrom, Matz, Lugo, pitching prospect, pitching prospect,.
Sign or trade for catcher,
Sign or trade for second baseman.
Sign Machado.
Make some trades of controllable players.
I just don’t think the Mets will get what you think they will from any of those trades
“ Trade Wheeler for several prospects which includes one very good starting pitching prospect who can open next season in the rotation.“
Lol why would any team give the Mets a very good pitching prospect for wheeler…and besides that several more prospects?
Wheeler isn’t good enough to get you maybe a couple decent prospects…get real
He’s basically an injury prone BP arm.
28 y.o. former first rounder, #5 ranked prospect just 5 years ago, with a now healthy arm,. Aside the recent struggle at Coor’s, Wheeler’s been pitching very well, has beautiful, easy delivery with upper 90’s gas at will. Has great arm and is figuring out how to pitch..
Doesn’t become free agent till after next season. Could be a #3 or even set-up or closer. His value is on the rise especially with a shortage of quality pitchers to trade this summer.
If the Mets get ONE good prospect for Wheeler, they should be happy
Hey LTF1: After living in a Baltimore prison during his career, do you think that Manny will use his Get Out Of Jail Pass to move to the Flushing Penitentiary?
Syndergaard is going to fetch “at least 4 premiuim prospects which includes at least one or two top notch pitching prospects close to major league ready. who opens next season in the rotation.?” For what? A soft player who breaks down over what, hurting his finger swinging too hard?
Wheeler for What? Has this “revered” pitcher won 25 career games yet? Matz is another one that is so overblown. Has he won 20 career games?
It may simply be the time to find a new team or new sport. (Perhaps you can dust off your green helmet.)
The Mets have WON LESS GAMES then the Marlins.
At least Jeter and Mattingly can say that his team is past its pain, and has young players who bust their butt every night.
Hello Mutt & Jeff. Last place awaits your team with Captain Sandy steering the ship.
I think you keep one and trade the other. Degrom will get you a guy like Torres. Thor won’t get you Torres but still would be a decent haul.
deGrom will command fewer years in a contract when he hits the FA market because of his age, so there’s at least a hypothetical chance the Mets will sign him. Thor, really zero chance. So, there’s little case for not dealing Thor sufficiently in advance of his FA year to maximize the return.
Honestly, I think all Met fans know it really doesn’t matter as long as the Wilpons own the team. We won’t maximize return, or develop what we get. The major league payroll isn’t the only thing that’s underfunded. If a real owner bought the team and was prepared to run it like a large market team (top to bottom), I’d trade both and almost anyone else over 25 that could bring back future value.
C’mon David Stearns go get Degrom now
The thing with these threads is the unstated question, what are they getting back?
To use the Yankees for example (not that I see it happening) the answer to the question changes a lot depending on who is coming back. Are they getting a package headed up by Torres? Then yes, they probably should trade one or both (assuming a second equally lucrative deal).
Trade them both while you can. If Syndergaard runs out of time to show he’s healthy then wait until the winter. It’s time to turn the Mets roster around. Too many aging veterans.
They should only trade one if the package includes someone who is major league ready. But I don’t think any team that needs one of those pitchers will give that up
Brewers. Burnes, Santana, Houser and Murphy for deGrom.
The Brewers can’t trade for either of those two and not include Hiura.
Who in their right mind trades MLB-caliber starting pitching?
Pirates did
I rest my case.
4th place teams with no chance of competing short or medium-term
Dodgers need help. Their starting rotation is not good.
I say trade them but not I mean NOT trade any of them to the Yankees
Mets need total retool. Hope Degrom gets out.
What the analysts, reporters, and fans don’t seem to factor is the financial flexibility that the Mets have next year and beyond. Mets could afford to sign both to long term contracts. Even David Wright’s contract tapers down next two years.
Not enthralled with trading with Yankees, and I am not enamored with their prospects as much as other people seem to be. No thank you to Estevan Florial, Justus Sheffield (bullpen bound should he keep giving up over 4 walks per 9 innings), Clint Frazier (so often offered by Yankee fans for deGrom), Miguel Andujar, etc. Only player that would interest me would be Gleyber Torres, and he is off limits apparently.
Should the Mets decide to trade, I think that the Astros would be the optimal team to partner for a deal. Wonder the possibility of prying both Kyle Tucker and Forrest Whitley from the Astros with longer developmental prospects (high ceiling). However, I would not mind another package built around Forrest Whitley and one/two additional high level prospects (Yordan Alvarez with Joe Perez).
Mets have 57.5 million on the books for 2020 (without arbitration and FA additions).
Yeah Shea, however that 57.5 is already earmarked for the Wilpon’s personal discretion fund. It pays family members and friends huge salaries and also is the source for acquisitions with their Dodger’s memorabilia hobby.
The Met’s aren’t prying those young players from the Astros just like Cashman is not offering any blue chip players either. At least enjoy the next few weeks of wishful thinking as your team’s season goes officially down the tube.
Your only hope is to stop funding Mutt and Jeff’s whimsical franchise in the hopes that the fans’ message will get through.
The choice is your’s;
STOP buying tickets and AVOID watching SNY
-or-
CONTINUE making believe as they ROB your wallet.
Lucky 7……………………………………
:
#1 – Mets are not trading deGrom.
#2 – Syndergaard will not bring a package that will suffice this year due to recent injury history.
#3 – The Yankees will NOT even entertain trading Gleyber Torres to any team, especially the Mets.
#4 – The Wilpons suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#5 – The Wilpons suck even more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#6 – Sandy is a pawn of the Wilpons………..
#7 – As a loyal Met fan for 52 years, I’m jumping ship and taking my speedboat back to the Bronx where I remember Mickey, Whitey, Moose, Roger, Elston and Yogi among others who brought considerable joy to me as kid!
Smart move Roy. Since you share the same first name as a Yankee outfielder from the ‘70’s, and you have ties to the Yankees from your youth,we will expedite your Yankee membership. This will allow you to avoid the one year plus wait that regular Mets fans have as a requirement.
Your points are all well taken, and I will suggest a couple of extras:
Sandy is washed up.
Sandy is a loser and only attractive to Mutt and Jeff.
Please remember to tell everyone:
STOP buying Mets tickets
DONT Watch SNY as well.
You look silly and unstable as a Yankees fan constantly obsessing over the Mets.
Unstable Long time fan, is being a long time fan of the Mets. (haha)…
Defending them is really funny.
Woah woah… how can Baseball America say the Mets have a bottom 5 farm system?
They do know the Mets have Tim Tebow, right?
Supposedly there’s a protest tonight at Citi Field on Roosevelt Avenue at 6:30 pm. Mets fans are planning on protesting that the Wilpons sell the franchise. This should get interesting. I found it on Twitter