Good morning, everyone. Here is something from John Harper of the Daily News, who believes that if the Yankees are truly serious about dealing Brett Gardner, that the Mets could be a pretty good trade partner for them as they seek to add a starting pitcher. Harper suggests that the Mets could send the Yankees rehabbing right-hander Zack Wheeler in return for Gardner.
I’m not sure that the Mets and Yankees would ever get together on a deal as significant as what Harper proposes, but for the sake of argument and a good Sunday morning conversation, let’s have a little fun with it.
Right off the bat, what I like about Gardner is that he essentially fills a few vital needs for the Mets as he could slide right into the No. 2 spot previously held by Daniel Murphy, he is a left-handed bat, he can play a reliable left and center field although his defense has slipped lately, and he would certainly give the lineup some much needed speed.
Coming off his first All Star campaign, Gardner had a solid .343 on-base percentage for the Yankees with 26 doubles, 16 home runs, 68 walks, 94 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. The numbers aren’t really that eye-popping, but very impressive when you consider he was hampered by a hand injury for most of the season.
Gardner, 32, is still owed a guaranteed $38 million that will pay him $13 million in 2016, $12 million in 2017, and $11 million in 2018. There’s a $12.5 million club option for 2019 with a $2 million buyout.
I like Gardner and would agree he’d be a good addition for the Mets, but here is the big question I have…
Do you give up six years of a young, cost-controlled, high upside starting pitcher like Wheeler, while taking on a huge chunk of change like that?
Harper says the Yanks would likely have zero interest in Jon Niese or the unproven Rafael Montero, but might be tempted to include 28-year old starter/reliever Adam Warren to sweeten the pot in a deal for Wheeler. But when he brought it up to a Mets official, he seemed wary of dealing Wheeler across town – and rightfully so.
“Those are two good pieces,” one Mets person said, “but you wouldn’t want to see Wheeler turn into a Cy Young winner in your own backyard.”
Bottom line? While Gardner does fill a few important needs for the Mets, they could probably get somewhat similar production from a free agent like Gerardo Parra. And not only will Parra cost a little less, but the Mets wouldn’t have to part with a big chip like Zack Wheeler to sign him. So I say two thumbs down on a proposed Wheeler for Gardner swap.
In your dreams, Cashman…
