The New York Yankees, once with a very deep rotation, are down three men now. Luis Severino was lost for the year with an elbow injury, James Paxton will miss the next few weeks and Domingo German remains suspended for 60+ games. As a result, they have looked at the trade market and, reportedly, set their sights in the New York Mets‘ left-hander Steven Matz.
Deals between the two New York teams aren’t particularly common or frequent. And while a trade has the potential to make sense for both teams – let’s not forget that the Yankees have the depth and the prospects to pique the Mets’ interest – it is highly unlikely to occur.
The reason why a potential deal is not likely to happen is because of the timing. Yes, the Mets have extra depth in the rotation, but spring training games are being played at this point. The organization prepared to have six capable starters and it probably won’t change the course with the season about to start.
The New York Mets depth would disappear if they trade Matz
The Mets, given Michael Wacha’s injury story, would be smart to keep Matz and maintain their depth. Right now, they have six starters for five spots: Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, Rick Porcello, Matz and Wacha. Prospects David Peterson and Kevin Smith may be ready to contribute in the second half depending on their progression in Triple-A.
Given the proximity of the start of the season, the Yankees may have to overpay yo lure the Mets. And it’s highly unlikely they go that route, even though they have the pieces.
Sportswriter Michael Baron wrote in his Twitter account that the Yankees, for a deal to happen, would need to be “willing to do something crazy. Matz should be in the Mets rotation in all scenarios unless he is hurt. Also, he is the only left-handed starter on their active roster. Trading him makes them weaker.”
Andy Martino of SNY seconded that, reporting that, according to sources on both sides, “the Yankees would have to make a very aggressive offer to get Matz and probably wouldn’t be willing to go as far as Mets would require.”
The Mets are said to be interested in Miguel Andujar, but it’s unclear if the Yankees are willing to part with him. There just isn’t enough time to work out the details of a deal.