Mets General Manager Zack Scott was on Jon Heyman’s Big Tim Baseball podcast today where he detailed what he and the club would like to do ahead of next week’s MLB Trade Deadline.
Over the course of the season, while the Mets pitching as been atop of the league in terms of starting pitching, injuries have caused upper management to consider kicking the tires on a top notch pitcher who could come in and help this team the rest of the way.
Tylor Megill has seemingly come out of no where and has stepped up very well in his first five Major League starts. He’s pitched to a 2.63 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 10.5 k/9 IP and has 28 Ks across 24 IP.
It comes to a point where bullpen game after bullpen game and unknown quantity after the next, for a team with deep playoff aspirations, becomes enough. Scott is aware of this, and seems to be on board with trying to acquire one of the top names on the trading block in the coming week.
“I do subscribe to that old adage that you can never have enough starting pitching. And I do think that has been the main reason that I’ve seen seasons fall apart.” Scott said to Heyman.
With the recent struggles by Mets closer Edwin Díaz, whose blown three straight save opportunities, Scott was also asked about if he has interest in acquiring one of the top relievers on the market, Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel.
“Craig’s definitely having a great year, and obviously we have some history there in Boston, where he was great for us. But I think Díaz is a really good closer for us. I know he has struggled in his last few outings, but I still believe in him,” Scott said.
Scott went on to say that he believes it’s always a seller’s market with pitching, and those teams looking to deal pitching hold their prices high. The Mets will see if these high prices will come down, and as the deadline looms, teams will surely step off of their high asking prices.
Reports have linked the Mets to José Berríos of the Minnesota Twins, and Tyler Anderson of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Time will tell if either will wind up in Flushing, but it’s bound to be an interesting week for the Mets.
