Not at all lost amidst the Mets strong start to the 2015 season is the inconsistent play from Wilmer Flores. Wilmer has been good with the bat, but his nine errors in the field are second only to the enigmatic Ian Desmond.
As the Mets inch closer and closer to legitimate title contention, it is becoming more apparent every day that this team needs a viable shortstop. Matt Reynolds may be able to out-field Flores, but still short is not his natural position and he will likely offer decreased production at the plate.
Troy Tulowitzki, offensively and defensively, would represent a huge upgrade for the Mets and would be worth the cost in terms of salary and prospects.
Consider the possibility of the post-trade infield. Daniel Murphy could stay at third until Wright returns, Tulo would slot in at short, Flores could move to second, Duda would anchor first, and Plawecki would grace the tools of ignorance before moving to the bench after Travis d’Arnaud rehabs.
If each player performs to their potential, the Mets would have five legitimate major league ballplayers at each infield position. There would be no significant weaknesses, defensively or offensively, and I would not be surprised if each position provided the offense with at least 20 home runs. And make no mistake, this team needs more offense.
We all know already the strength of Tulo’s bat. The real questions regard his health, contract, and his cost to the Mets farm system. Still, I think the tantalizing infield potential Tulo brings more than outweighs his flaws.
In a recent article for ESPN insiders, Jim Bowden proposed the Amazin’s deal Steven Matz, Kevin Plawecki, and Rafael Montero for Tulo. It’s not a bad suggestion, but I don’t think the Mets would pull the trigger on such a deal.
Few catchers are durable enough to outlast a full season, and d’Arnaud has a checkered injury past. Thus, if I were the Mets, I would try to convince the Rockies to take Dilson Herrera instead of Plawecki. That may not work straight up though, as catcher is a premium position while second base is not, so let’s say the Mets’ add Double-A RHP Gabriel Ynoa to the deal.
Here’s my proposal, in its full form. Mets get: Troy Tulowitzki, 25MM (to aid salary issues). Rockies get: Matz, Montero, Herrera, Ynoa.
That’s quite a large haul for Colorado. They get a potential top of the rotation starter in Matz and another rotation piece with promise in Montero. Herrera should succeed offensively in the thin air at Coors. Ynoa adds intrigue with the chance to develop into a number three of four starter down the road.
Pitching is Colorado’s biggest need. And with this deal, the Rockies add three young pitching prospects to their arsenal as well as a promising second baseman to offset the loss of Tulowitzki.
On the Mets side, the rationale behind making this trade is clear. They get arguably best shortstop in the game for four players who have not proven themselves at the major league level and the Mets are dealing from their depth. Matz has dominated in Vegas, but the Mets are loaded at starting pitching. Montero may have a future as a starter, but the Mets have treated him as a swing man thus far; plus New York has more talented options than Montero both in the ‘pen and in the rotation. He will not be missed. Herrera could develop into an all-star soon enough, but with Matt Reynolds and Wilmer Flores, the Mets currently have enough depth to sustain his loss. Ynoa has showed promise with a steady ascent through the system, but he is probably a major league relief pitcher unless he can refine his off-speed pitches.
I understand that it is difficult to fathom trading some of our top young talent for a ballplayer whose best days might be behind him. But remember, our playoff hopes are already hinged to David Wright, a player of very much a similar mold as Tulo and who’s not getting any younger at 32. It makes sense to try to surround him with as much win-now talent as possible. Furthermore, Tulo will not be unplayable in the final year of his deal. Derek Jeter (2009) and Jimmie Rollins (2014), .871 and .717 OPS, respectively, both have proven that 35-year-olds can still be strong contributors in a starting role.
In short, Tulowitzki would be the perfect player to push the Mets over the top. He certainly comes with question marks, but if he was a perfect player the Mets would have no chance of acquiring him.
Trading a blue-chip lefty like Matz is a tough pill to swallow, especially when accompanied by other prospects, but you have to give to get. Tulo is a great player right now and he has proven to be a major league all-star when healthy. I am not interested in gambling another half-season on an inexperienced and out-of-place shortstop like Flores or Reynolds or waiting for Gavin Cecchini and Amed Rosario to develop.
The rotation is undoubtedly one of the best in baseball and is built to win right now, but the current infield and lineup structure leave a lot to be desired. By trading for Tulo, the Mets could shift Flores to second and sport an elite offensive and solid defense group in the infield. And even after relinquishing Matz, Montero, and Ynoa, the Mets can still sport an insanely rich rotation headed by Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, with even more live arms in the pipeline.
The Mets are ready to contend this season. The future is now for our New York Mets. Our captain isn’t getting any younger, but our shortstop situation keeps getting worse day by day. It’s Tulo time.
