The Mets “have done some background work on” Diamondbacks righty Luke Weaver as New York continues to explore trade possibilities, SNY’s Andy Martino reports (via Twitter). A right shoulder strain limited Weaver to only 65 2/3 innings last season, giving him two injury-plagued seasons sandwiched around a dismal 2020 campaign that saw him post a 6.58 ERA. Despite these recent issues, Weaver is still controlled via arbitration for the next two seasons (projected for $2.7MM in 2022) and has shown some signs of quality throughout his career in Arizona and St. Louis, so the D’Backs might still want to see if Weaver can get healthy and be an inexpensive rebound candidate at the back of their rotation.
For the Mets, Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom, Taijuan Walker and Carlos Carrasco are penciled into the top four rotation spots, and Tylor Megill and David Peterson are the favorites for the fifth starter’s role. Weaver brings his own set of question marks, but he would add depth to a group that also has plenty of injury concerns. Given how aggressive the Mets will likely continue to be in their offseason endeavors, New York is likely to check in on just about any pitching option available, whether a bigger name in free agency or on the trade market, or perhaps a more modest acquisition like Weaver.
More from around the NL West…
- Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are “really close” on a contract extension, the manager told reporters (including The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya) today. Reports surfaced last month that the team was looking into a new deal for the World Series-winning skipper, as Roberts is entering the last year of his current contract.
- Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi told reporters (including The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser) that his team was still looking to add some hitting, yet even though the Giants lineup is short on right-handed bats, Zaidi said that they are looking at options on both sides of the plate. “I don’t think we’re going to be totally fixated on that side. If there’s a left-handed bat that makes sense for us, I think we can find a way to fit that as well,” Zaidi said. “We obviously love versatility. Handedness isn’t as critical.”
- Also from Zaidi, he said that Tommy La Stella’s recovery from left Achilles surgery is coming along well, though the infielder will be a little behind during the Giants’ Spring Training camp. La Stella underwent the surgery at the end of October and had a rough timeline of four months, so it isn’t surprising that La Stella isn’t quite yet fully ready. There doesn’t yet seem to be concern, however, that La Stella might miss any time at the start of the season. La Stella battled several injuries during his first season in San Francisco, likely contributing to his underwhelming .250/.308/.405 slash line over 242 plate appearances. Due to the backloaded nature of his three-year, $18.75MM free agent contract, La Stella is still owed $16.75MM over the final two seasons of that deal.
Wouldn’t give up a ton for Weaver, but he’d be a nice depth option.
They would be betting on their medical staff more than on weaver. Weaver is really an upper echelon major league talent. If he returns to form his value is high. We take it for granted how quality the medical staff and therapists are at rehabilitating injured players. Doubt Arizona would let him go lightly
The last thing the Mets need is another injury prone SP..
All pitchers are injury prone
Weaver is so underrated he should be a mid rotation arm
He’s a guy that if a team can figure out how to keep him healthy, he could be a very valuable player.
The Mets don’t exactly have a strong track record in this area, but it’s also new leadership, so it’d be interesting to see.
“New leadership?” Yes, Steve Cohen’s track record with injury reclamation projects among pitchers, is stellar.
Sigh.
Weaver won’t be underrated if he signs in NY. We know that he’ll be overrated in no time…like it’s starting now as you all are making him more than he actually is when you see he’s a possibility.
I’m a Giants fan, so I have no vested interest in how a guy pitches in New York. I just see Weaver as a potential front-end starter if he can stay healthy.
I haven’t seen anybody make Weaver out to be a superstar. Relax. You have smaller Fish to fry with your team’s upcoming free agent signings.
Weaver would be a big time once in a decade type signing for the Fish. Stay in your lane with the Mets slander.
Yeah, where exactly would Weaver fit in our rotation?
At least know the Marlins roster before you make an idiotic comment. But seeing that you’re one of the new Mets fans joining in for this season, I don’t need to worry about your comments because you’ll disappear once the Mets fall out of contention. It’s what Mets fans like you do every single year.
Such a salty little fish you are.
Neither Marlinsfan nor John said anything about him being or not being a superstar. John said he could be very valuable and Marlinsfan thinks his value is being overstated so if he fails at that he’ll be called overrated.
Thanks for mediating. You should bring your talents to the next CBA negotiations.
lastella was injured so much last year I totally forgot that he was on the giants
How does everyone watch out of market games? I use mlb.tv but is there another platform? I don’t want to watch the Reds, but live out of their region.
There’s always options
Pineda makes more sense for the Mets.
Can we please trade Dave Roberts
Roberts is way overrated.
why would they want such drek? it’s a non story
THE Giants have the money. Why not go after Freeman. Belt could play LF or DH.
The Mets have some nice pieces available through trade. I would hope they get more than Weaver for any of their nicer chips, as he has a checkered injury history and is little more than a potential depth piece. If they want to upgrade the rotation, they need to aim bigger than someone like this or just go with McGill/Peterson.
Well, the options are forget the luxury tax is a thing, try to fills holes cheap, trade the “excess” bench bats or trade one of the big prospects for a stud. The farm isn’t deep. Can Cohen stomach 300 million? Will Mets fans be happy with players of Weavers caliber or demand big names regardless on whether or not they’re still actually superstar players in the stat line. Who knows? Will be interesting to watch.
Luxury threshold is, I think, already in the rear view mirror
The Metropolitans are currently $34.9m over the CBT, including the $1.1m clams still being thrown in Bonilla’s direction.
Reunion: Carlos Rodon, Patrick Bailey and Will Wilson all 3 former NC State baseball players.
Trea Turner needs to be in that fold.
It’s beginning to become clearer and clearer that the Mets scouting and front office is finally coming together and really doing diligence when considering trades and FAs this off-season. I’m very happy with our new GM. Being able to actually utilize ownership money comfortably will certainly allow him to flourish in his position. I’m looking forward to seeing how they handle the rest of the trades and acquisitions up until the deadline.