New York Mets general manager, Brodie Van Wagenen, decided to make unnecessary trades on August 31 in an attempt to save his job when Steve Cohen purchases the team. He brought in a 36-year old back up catcher hitting .119, reliever Miguel Castro and someone he did not even pursue in free agency in Todd Frazier.
Todd Frazier with a brief response when asked if the Mets pursued him at all last offseason in free agency:
"The answer to that," Frazier said, "is no."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 2, 2020
With the trio of Frazier, Castro, and Robinson Chirinos, the Mets had to send three players back to the alternate site to make room. They sent pitchers Ariel Jurado and Franklyn Kilome along with catcher Ali Sanchez. The moves left the Mets with a crowded infield and thinner bullpen.
Peterson to the Bullpen
With two long men leaving the bullpen, David Peterson is available to pitch in Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. Peterson has been the second-best pitcher on the Mets staff, but the Mets opted for the reverse Seth Lugo treatment. The move does not seem to be permanent, but it leaves Robert Gsellman scheduled to start against the New York Yankees.
With Frazier joining the infield, the Mets have eight infielders for four spots, nine if Jeff McNeil is part of the group. Luis Guillorme is still hitting over .400 and Andres Gimenez homering the night before, but the Mets opted to play Frazier and bat him fourth for Wednesday’s game.
The Mets will need another reliever with no off days insight. In all fairness, Frazier should be the odd man out amongst Guillorme and Gimenez. Unfortunately, one of them will take the demotion in the near future. Despite Van Wagenen not giving up on 2020, it certainly is inevitable for them to throw in the towel.