According to Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com on Twitter, the asking price for starting pitching is very high right now, and it may dissuade the Mets from making a trade before Monday’s deadline, instead choosing to rely on internal options such as Logan Verrett and Zack Wheeler.
Verrett, pictured above, has had mixed success this year as a spot starter, but has been more efficient his last three outings, allowing seven runs in 18.1 innings. Cumulatively this season, Verrett has a 3-6 record with a 4.12 ERA in 27 games (9 started).
As for Zack Wheeler, the young righty has yet to begin a rehab assignment, but is aiming for a late August return, but it seems to be very up in the air at this point. Wheeler hasn’t pitched in a big league game since the end of the 2014 season.
Another option the Mets could consider should they choose not to make a trade is prospect Gabriel Ynoa, who is 9-4 with a 4.52 ERA in 21 games started at Triple-A Las Vegas this season. Ynoa is currently ranked as the #20 prospect in the Mets system according to MLB.com.
A lot can happen between now and Monday at 4:00 PM, but as it currently stands, the starting pitching market is rather thin and team’s are asking for a lot in exchange for their starters. Just look at what the Marlins had to give up for Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea earlier today.
Cotillo also reports on Twitter that the Mets and Pirates have had preliminary discussions about bringing Jon Niese back to Queens, but nothing is imminent at this point.
