Just a few weeks ago, it appeared the Mets would be one of the biggest sellers at this year’s trade deadline for the second year in a row, with a massive fire sale ensuing, but then they started winning.
The blue and orange have won 17 out of their last 22 games and turned their season around for the time being. The Mets have climbed back into the wild-card race and sit just one game back of the final spot at 39-39.
With the Mets back in the race, the Flushing Faithful are clamoring for them to buy at the deadline and compete for a chance to play October baseball. However, currently, a hybrid approach is expected.
The Mets’ current stance on the deadline
According to a report from Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets are open to the idea of selling some of their starting pitching at the trade deadline while continuing to compete for a spot in the postseason.
The blue and orange feel comfortable selling because the organization feels they have solid replacements waiting in Triple-A in José Buttó and Christian Scott. Also, 2023 all-star Kodai Senga is expected to return from the injured list before the deadline.
While many of the Flushing Faithful would be okay with that move, as it feels like a perfect balance between still pushing for the playoffs and acquiring future assets for expiring contracts, president of baseball operations David Stearns may have another trick up his sleeve.
Stearns has been in the situation before
The 2022 Milwaukee Brewers were in first place in the National League Central come the trade deadline when Stearns made the shocking move to trade all-star closer Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres in exchange for four prospects.
The Brewers lost five of their next six games, dropping out of first place and ultimately missing the postseason.
While, in hindsight, the trade hasn’t yielded great results for the Brewers, Stearns could make a similar move by trading the likes of Luis Severino or Pete Alonso in an attempt to build a consistent contender rather than push for the postseason in a year where the top of the National League contains a pair of dominant teams.
