Who Are The Mets' Best Trade Chips?

Marc Carig of Newsday created a bit of a stir when he reported via Twitter that after catching up with several scouts and rival execs, many of them viewed Jon Niese as the Mets’ best trade chip if they decide to hang onto their young arms. Agree? Disagree?

This got us thinking. Who are the top five trade pieces for the Mets heading into the hot stove season?

Here’s who we think, and remember these aren’t players that should be traded, only who we believe have the highest trade value.

Harris’ Five

Jon Niese: Financially Niese is an extremely appealing player. He signed a team friendly deal back in 2012 at 5 years for $25.5 million. He also has club options through 2018. That means that you can plug Niese into a rotation through 2018 for roughly half of what Cliff Lee makes. Of course he’s not the same pitcher as Lee. In 2014, Niese pitched to a 3.40 ERA over 187.2 innings, three short of his career high. Lee struggled this year with a 3.65 ERA over just 81.1 innings.
Jeurys Familia: While Jenrry Mejia got credit for 28 saves, Familia was the more impressive man in the bullpen. His 2.21 ERA led the team and the eye test tells you this kid is pure talent. Other teams might look past Mejia’s antics but they won’t be able to pass on Familia’s arm.
Bartolo Colon: There’s a certain level of certainty that comes with certain players in baseball. Over his last four seasons, he’s compiled over 700 innings, pitching to a 3.54 ERA. His contract is manageable and with just one year left he’ll be an easy piece to move if Sandy Alderson decides to go in that direction.
Daniel Murphy: Murphy is a tough call for me on this list. Part of me says that other teams discount his raw abilities as a hitter because of a perceived lack of defense. While he won’t be winning any Golden Gloves anytime soon, he’s more than capable at second base and could fetch a nice piece from an American League team that could stick him at DH.
Zack Wheeler: Wheeler showed this year that he can become the 1B to Matt Harvey’s 1A. He is clearly a front of the rotation pitcher that can handle himself on the mound. While it remains to be seen how good he can become, he could certainly be the centerpiece in a blockbuster trade.

Joe’s Five

Zack Wheeler: Who wouldn’t drool for the opportunity to add this young righty to their rotation? Only 24 and in his first full season he delivers a 3.50 FIP in 32 starts with a 9.1 K/9, and the best is yet to come.
Daniel Murphy: His defense or lack of it certainly hurts his overall value, but if you want someone who can grind out 35-40 doubles and 175 hits, Murphy is your man. He led all National League No. 2 hitters in hits and doubles this season and fits that role well.
Jon Niese: This underrated lefthander seems like he’s been around for ages, but he’s just 27 and turned in another solid season boasting a 1.26 WHIP and career best 3.40 ERA. Plus he’s cost-controlled for two more years.
Jacob deGrom: What a deLightful story deGrom has been. You’ve got to believe he’d have the attention of many a GM if the Mets chose to dangle him for some serious lumber.
Jenrry Mejia: Mejia collected more saves than anyone in the NL except for Steve Cishek after the All Star break. I’m sure there’s many a GM who would love to pry this high-energy closer away from us – stomp and all.