After seeming destined to be massive sellers at the trade deadline just two weeks ago, the New York Mets strung together a seven-game winning streak and have returned to the thick of the wild-card race as they sit just one game back of the final spot despite being two games under .500 (36-38).
With the recent run of success, questions have been raised about what the blue and orange will do at the deadline. Will they sell and play for next season? Will they buy and try to make it back to the postseason? A recent report says the Mets could do a combination of both.
The Mets could sell some starters while trying to make the playoffs
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 prior to the deadline.
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Which starting pitchers could be traded?
The Mets have a pair of starters who could realistically be traded at the deadline while still giving the blue and orange a chance to compete. The first would be José Quintana. The 35-year-old is in the final year of a two-year $26 million contract he signed last offseason.
Quintana has struggled at times this season, pitching 72.1 innings across 14 starts to a 4.98 ERA with a 1.369 WHIP and 50 strikeouts. Despite the struggles, the 35-year-old could still bring in a solid prospect, with starting pitching being such a premium come playoff time.
The other would be Sean Manaea. The 32-year-old signed a one-year $14.5 million deal with the Mets this offseason with a player option for 2025 and has performed better than his overall numbers imply.
Manaea has pitched 71.1 innings across 14 starts, posting a 4.16 ERA, a 1.290 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts. The Indiana native has a 3.72 FIP. With the 32-year-old’s performance and the value of starting pitching, the Mets could easily send him to a contender in the American League for a solid return.
Of course, other starters could go, but Manaea and Quintana would be the most likely ones to be traded if the Mets still intend to compete as well.