Category Archives: Trade Talk

Mets, Padres Talking Deal Involving Paddack, Hosmer for Dom Smith

2 Apr

Dom Smith
MLB.com:

Starved for pitching with Jacob deGrom set to begin the season on the injured list and Max Scherzer potentially sidelined for Opening Day, the Mets have discussed a trade that could bring Padres starter Chris Paddack to New York, along with veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer. Sources confirmed the talks, though it remains unclear where the Mets’ interest level lies.

One version of the proposed trade, as first reported by The Athletic, would have Paddack, Hosmer, reliever Emilio Pagán and cash going to the Mets for Dominic Smith. Such a deal would provide the Mets with a much-needed starting pitcher, albeit one who produced a 5.07 ERA last season. The Mets would also take on the veteran Hosmer but receive money to offset part of the $60 million he’s owed over the next four seasons.

I understand how bad the Mets suddenly need pitching with deGrom going down and Scherzer now having hamstring issues, but the Mets can not make this deal. Dom Smith still the potential to be a huge star in the major leagues and in Hosmer, Paddack and Pagan you’d be receiving 3 players all coming off subpar seasons. Better to give McGill, Carrasco and Walker a couple of months to see what they can do before pressing the panic button like this so early on. By the way, do the Mets not know that vets like Johnny Cueto and Julio Teheran are still out there on the open market?

Jeff McNeil & a Prospect to the Reds for Luis Castillo?

28 Dec

Jeff McNeil

Word has it that McNeil is officially on the trading block. I like McNeil a lot and would hate to see him go, especially since I think he’s got a lot left in him. But with my feelings on the Mets desperately needing starting pitching help to back up DeGrom and Scherzer, if they could get a front-line starter like Luis Castillo for McNeil and a prospect, I’m all for it. And the Reds make the most sense as McNeil can play 3rd base, thus giving Cincinnati the option of moving current 3rd baseman Eugenio Suarez (31 HRs, but a whopping 171 strikeouts and a .198 BA in 2021) to DH since in all likelihood the NL will be using the DH next year.

Mets Looking To Package Jed Lowrie and Dominic Smith In Trade

4 Jan

Jed Lowrie
CBSSports.com:

The Mets are shopping infielder Jed Lowrie and first baseman Dominic Smith in a package deal, reports Ken Davidoff of the New York Post. Lowrie, who was limited to seven at-bats by injury in 2019, has $12 million remaining on his contract. Smith is capital B-Blocked by Pete Alonso at first base. New York is hoping to convince a team to take on Lowrie’s salary to get Smith’s promising bat.

Last month we looked at 10 teams that could capitalize on a Lowrie/Smith package deal, several of which have since made moves to upgrade their infield. The Rangers have uncertainty at the two corner infield positions and stand out as a candidate to plug Lowrie in at third base in 2020 and install Smith as their first baseman of the future. It’s unclear whether the two sides have talked.

Lowrie never made any sense picking up in the 1st place and Smith has enough talent where he could start at 1st base for most teams. You’re telling me that the Mets can’t get say a starting center-fielder for these two?

Brodie Van Wagenen: Noah Syndergaard Trade Would Take ‘Very Special Circumstances’

6 Dec

Noah Syndergaard
BleacherReport.com:

New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen suggested Tuesday that he isn’t looking to trade starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard.

According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, Van Wagenen said it would take “very special circumstances for us to even consider” trading Syndergaard.

The 26-year-old Syndergaard is sent to enter his fifth MLB season with the Mets in 2019.

Fancred’s Jon Heyman reported last month that the Mets were “seriously considering” offers for Syndergaard, and he noted at least six teams were believed to be “real players” for his services.

After injuries limited Syndergaard to seven starts in 2017, a finger setback and a viral illness kept him to 25 starts in 2018. Even so, he put up impressive numbers, going 13-4 with a 3.03 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, while striking out 155 batters over 154.1 innings.

Unless it’s for Clayton Kershaw and a couple of draft picks, there’s nothing out there worth getting rid of Syndergaard.

The Mets Interest In Robinson Cano Is Concerning

28 Nov

Robinson Cano

SNY.TV:

Earlier today, we reported that the Mets and Mariners were both “aggressive” in Robinson Cano trade talks. Since then, we’ve been able to gather more specifics about the structure of a potential deal.

Per major league sources, here are the basic parameters of what the teams are discussing: Cano would go to the Mets, and Seattle would pay approximately $10 million annually of the $120 million owed to Cano over the next five years. That would take Cano’s annual salary down to about $14 million.

The Mets are also trying to get Seattle to take on a burdensome contract like Jay Bruce‘s, and obtain a player like Edwin Diaz or Mitch Haniger.

If this all seems too good to be true for the Mets, it might be. It all depends on how desperate Seattle is to move Cano.

Cano just got an 80-game suspension for using PED’s last year, he’s 36yo and his lack of hustle has always been a concern regardless of how good of a hitter he is. Then too, we already have Jeff McNeil at second base and the Mets first two priorities this off-season should be relief pitching and catcher. I get that the new GM may be looking to make a big splash with his first move, but I don’t think this should be it.

Mets Need To Trade Juan Lagares

25 Nov

Juan Lageres
Lagares is a great defender and hits left-handers really well, but he’s also injury prone. Still he’d be ideal for a team seeking a platoon option when paired with a lefty hitter could really use him in center field. Plus, with the surplus of outfielders the Mets have, I think you could trade Lagares for a quality reliever, knock out some payroll and have Michael Conforto and/or Brandon Nimmo handle left and center field until Yoenis Cespedes gets back.