Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is set for July 30 at 4 p.m. ET. If a player is available the Mets are likely linked. Let’s break down the top names the Mets have been linked to. Keep checking back for updated rumors.
Starting Pitchers
Age/Team/Contract: 27/Minnesota Twins/1 year $6.1 million, UFA 2023
Stats: 20 starts, 7-5 W-L, 3.48 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 126 Ks, 121.2 IP
With an additional year l on his contract, the 27-year-old right-hander won’t come cheap. The Twins may be sellers in a lost season but view Berrios as a core member for years to come.
Per Jeff Passan, the Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Blue Jays, and maybe the Rays are his top suitors. He doesn’t expect a deal to happen until the 30th.
Age/Team/Contract: 29/Colorado Rockies/1 year $6 million, UFA 2022
Stats: 18 starts, 6-6 W-L, 3.67 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 91 Ks, 98 IP
The right-hander missed time earlier this season with a right flexor strain but returned to continue his dominance at Coors Field. He has the second-best winning percentage .674 (31-15) in Rockies franchise history at Coors. His ERA this season is over a full run lower at his home park.
Per Jon Heyman, the Mets are still in on the Rockies starter.
Jon Gray, Filthy Sliders (helicopter sword & bend the knee). 🚁⚔️🐺 pic.twitter.com/5NoZrW5paC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 4, 2021
Age/Team/Contract: 32/Arizona Diamondbacks/1 year $4.25 million, club option in 2022
Stats: 21 starts, 7-7 W-L, 4.39 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 105 Ks, 123 IP
Another right-hander, Kelly only has three years of experience in the majors. He underwent surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome after the 2020 season. Kelly has improved as the season has gone on. In five July starts he sports a 3.41 ERA while walking just three batters in 31.2 innings.
If Arizona deals Kelly they may be more inclined to trade him outside the division with the Dodgers and Giants looking for rotation help.
Per SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets scouted a Diamondbacks game in July but the prospect cost is reportedly high.
Age/Team/Contract: 37/Washington Nationals, 1 year, $27.3 million, UFA 2022
Stats: 18 starts, 7-4 W-L, 2.83 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 142 Ks, 105 IP
The best pitcher available at the deadline. The Mets were prepared to take on a “division tax” to acquire Mad Max but Scherzer is unlikely to approve a trade to Queens if dealt per multiple sources.
Other names to watch: Kyle Gibson (Rangers), Zach Davies (Cubs), Michael Pineda (Twins), Mike Minor (Royals)
Relief Pitchers
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Age/Team/Contract: 31/Pittsburgh Pirates/1 year $1.7 million, UFA 2024
Stats: 37 appearances, 14 saves, 2.82 ERA, 33 Ks, 38.1 IP
Rodriguez took over the closer role for the Pirates this season. A steady reliever for the past three seasons, the right-hander has a track record of success with multiple years left on his contract.
Pittsburgh has already dealt starter Tyler Anderson and second baseman Adam Frazier. The Mets had been in contact with Pittsburgh about each of those players. Rodriguez should be the next domino to fall
Age/Team/Contract: 33/Chicago Cubs/2 years $32 million, Club Option 2022, UFA 2023
Stats: 39 appearances, 23 saves, 0.49 ERA, 64 Ks, 36.2 IP
The best reliever on the market. Kimbrel made his first All-Star team since 2021 and appears on his way out of Chicago, where he’s been since 2019. Kimbrel is the lone reliever available that could immediately take over Edwin Diaz‘s closer role.
Kimbrel has been linked to the Mets and currently stands as Las Vegas’ odds-on favorite to land the reliever.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Mets already completed one trade with Tampa Bay this past week, acquiring Rich Hill for Tommy Hunter, and minor leaguer Matt Dyer. Per Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets and Rays are discussing additional pitcher swaps. Could Michael Wacha be on his way back to New York?
Other names to watch: Daniel Hudson (Nationals), Raisel Iglesias (Angels), Ian Kennedy (Rangers), Michael Fulmer (Tigers), Daniel Bard (Rockies), any productive left-hander
Position Players
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Position/Age/Team/Contract: 3B-OF/29/Chicago Cubs/1 year, $19.5 million, UFA 2022
Stats: .269/.356/.500, 17 HR, 50 RBI, 132 OPS+
The logical option that has been tied to the Mets since the spring. The former MVP plays multiple positions defensively and adds another big bat to the Mets lineup. The type of rental you add if you want to win a World Series.
Position/Age/Team/Contract: SS-2B-3B/28/Chicago Cubs/ 1 year $11.65 million, UFA 2022
Stats: .245/.289/.483 22 HR, 65 RBI, 108 OPS+
Baez has emerged as a possible target. The Cubs are selling everyone and Baez could be a gap-filler until Francisco Lindor returns. Baez has plenty of power but his contact skills severely hamper his upside. He currently leads the league with 130 strikeouts.
Javier Báez: "If I go to the free agency, I would like to play with Francisco Lindor. I loved playing with him in the World Classic. It is the only option I would take to play second base if it is to play with him, otherwise I stay playing at shortstop. pic.twitter.com/aOiZ8FbROZ
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) July 28, 2021
Position/Age/Team/Contract: SS/28/Colorado Rockies/ 1 year, $17.5 million, UFA 2022
Stats: .240/.312/.421 12 HR, 46 RBI, 89+
Story is having the second-worst offensive season of his career. He’s been expected to be traded since Colorado dealt Nolan Arenado. Even with recent struggles, Story’s history of power and speed will aid any team that acquires him.
The Yankees made an offer for Story but there was zero evidence of any traction to this point per Heyman. Heyman states the Rockies haven’t decided to trade the star but logic says they will.
Other names to watch: Josh Donaldson (Twins), Eduardo Escobar (Diamondbacks), Whit Merrifield (Royals)
