Major League sources tell Andy Martino of the Daily News that the Mets are “still eager” to trade Dillon Gee, and views Rafael Montero as likely to take Gee’s spot.
“Talking to people inside and outside the organization following the surprise demotion of Montero to Triple-A on Friday, it was clear that the competition between Gee and Montero did not end when the the team headed north from Port St. Lucie.”
“Contrary to the general perception that the Mets viewed Gee as the obvious replacement for Zack Wheeler, after Wheeler’s season-ending Tommy John surgery, Mets people have discussed the relative merits of Gee and Montero for weeks.”
It’s pretty clear where this train is headed. You may recall that during the final day of Mets camp I wrote that starting the season with Gee in the rotation was a no-brainer because it was in the Mets’ best interest to showcase him and that a demotion to the bullpen would have decreased his value.
But with Gee struggling somewhat, and the Mets playing some great baseball, the important thing is to play your best players and many in the Mets front office love what Montero could do in the rotation.
In fact, Martino wrote something else that stood out in his report:
“Gee could go anytime, if a need arises elsewhere. If the Mets are unable to move him, Montero will eventually replace Gee in the rotation, barring injury or regression. According to sources, there is no debate that Montero will get the first opportunity, before prospects Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.”
The Mets would also love to unload Gee’s salary as they could use that $5.3 million to help pay for any necessary upgrades as this season moves along.
I’m betting that Gee will be in another uniform before Memorial Day.
