Baseball America has published a fascinating article that proposed five different trades that are prospect swaps including one that involves the Mets and their big four. J.J. Cooper thinks that a swap of left-handed pitcher Steven Matz and shortstop prospect Luis Carpio to the Boston Red Sox for infielder Yoan Moncada could make sense for both teams.
“This is a blockbuster. Moncada is one of the best position prospects in baseball. Matz is among the best pitching prospects in the game. And a swap would help fill big needs for both. Moncada could be the Mets long-term answer at second base (where Neil Walker has been acquired as a short-term replacement for Daniel Murphy) but his versatility means he also could become a rangy, explosive center fielder. That’s not an option in Boston where Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley already in the majors.”
I think it would be tough for the Mets to part with Steven Matz right now given the Mets lack of depth with starting pitching in the upper minors. If would force the Mets to rely on Rafael Montero (pitching healthy in winter ball), Seth Lugo (little AAA experience), Robert Gsellman (good prospect but not ready), or the likes of Sean Gilmartin as a starter until Zack Wheeler comes back in full force.
Nonetheless, the talent seems to be very close on both sides of this trade as the Mets would be getting one of the best prospects in all of Major League Baseball (currently #8, MLB.com) in Moncada while the Sox get another top flight arm they need. The 20-year old Moncada showed his five-tool potential in the South Atlantic League last year hitting .278/.380/.438 with 19 doubles, eight homeruns, and 49 stolen bases with only three caught stealing.
He had a tough time adjusting to minor league baseball hitting only .200 in his first 90 games before snapping out of it in the second half of the year and hitting .310/.415/.500 with 45 steals in his final 56 games. All 56 of those games came out of the leadoff spot where he seemed to flourish. The switch-hitter is listed at 6’2 and 205 pounds.
The Red Sox gave Moncada a record $31.5 million bonus in March which actually makes their financial responsibility $63M because of the matching penalty they had to pay for exceeding their international bonus pool. Moncada played second base exclusively in the minors last year but has experience at third base, shortstop, and center field.
Last year Matz showed why he is considered one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in baseball during his limited time in the big leagues going 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA and 34 strikeouts in his first six starts. He also threw a career high 155.2 innings in 2015 between the minors, regular season, and his three playoff starts.
“Initially this deal did not include Carpio, but a scout surveyed about this deal said he felt that Moncada is a significant enough talent and Matz has enough injury concerns that they believed the Mets would have to include an additional piece. Carpio fits the bill as a middle infielder who is far enough away (he played in the Appalachian League last season) that his ETA would be closer to the 2019-2020 window where Boston may eventually start looking for middle infield help.”
Carpio, 18, has shot up the Mets prospect ranks after having a strong stateside debut this year with the Kingsport Mets hitting .304/.372/.359 in 45 games. He played 22 games at shortstop and 19 games at second base during the 2015 season. Scouts rave about his high baseball IQ and approach at the plate for such a young player, part of the reason BA had him as their 7th best prospect in the Mets farm system.
To me, this is certainly a deal the Mets would have to consider with the five-tool potential of Moncada and the rarity of his skill set for someone who plays in the middle of the diamond. Ultimately I think the Mets would pass on this deal because they seem unwilling to part with any of their big four and rightfully so. They also have Dilson Herrera (who I think is long-term answer at 2B), Gavin Cecchini, and Amed Rosario formulating what could be a strong middle infield for years to come.
I would be more inclined to do this trade if I knew Moncada could player center field which seems to be one of the Mets biggest weaknesses currently and possibly long-term as well if Juan Lagares doesn’t return to his 2014 form. If I was talking trade with the Red Sox and was willing to give up a stud pitcher Mookie Betts is the guy I would target but I see little reason for him to be available now.
Definitely an interesting trade idea, one that I think fits more with the Red Sox current needs and aspirations then it does with the Mets.
For more minor league insight head over to MetsMinors.net.
