On Wednesday evening, Mets acting general manager Zack Scott appeared on WFAN’s Carton & Roberts. In the 30 or so minutes that Scott was on air, he talked about the team’s various priorities leading up to the July 30 trade deadline.
From the beginning of the call, Scott made it clear that pitching – specifically starting pitching – was the team’s top priority. But don’t expect a Cy Young caliber pitcher to join the Mets rotation.
Scott said the Mets are still looking to acquire starting pitching, but at this point it’s likely more of a “depth guy”.
The Mets have briefly been linked to rumors of trading for Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer. Scott was quick to quiet that speculation.
As for the bullpen, one name that was mentioned on the WFAN call was Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel.
While there are no active rumors of Kimbrel coming to Queens, Scott did not rule out – for the most part – any top player joining the Mets.
“We have to be in on good players. We’re the New York Mets. We have to be in on anyone that can make an impact on the club,” said the Mets acting GM.
In regards to a possible addition to the closer role, Scott also added that if such a trade were to be made, that he would discuss with manager Luis Rojas and the team’s players before any deals were finalized.
This is a new – and certainly refreshing – attitude exhibited by the Mets new ownership and front office. For much of the last decade, the team has struggled to attract marquee talent. Now, there is a clear change in values within the organization.
Scott was asked about adding to the lineup as well. J.D. Davis was brought up as a name who Carton and Roberts thought might lose playing time as the season winds down, especially if the team goes out and acquires another premium bat. But Scott backed up Davis, asserting that he has been a great asset to the Mets lineup.
However, Scott also did say that the Mets have explored trading for players that can play shortstop and then shift to other positions once Lindor is back. That is where the Davis situation becomes the biggest question.
Back on the topic of Davis, Scott hinted at what his role might look like past Friday’s deadline.
“As of how it looks right now, I’d say that I expect him to be playing quite a bit of third base for us.”
