The New York Mets' efforts to deal a starting pitcher are being ramped up, according to reports. The Mets, who have a surplus of pitching, are reportedly trying to move one of their veteran starters before spring training.
Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal recently tweeted several teams had interest in dealing for 29-year-old right-hander Dillon Gee, and Andy Martino of The New York Daily News hinted Gee was involved in a rumored three-team deal that would have netted the Mets shortstop Ian Desmond from the Washington Nationals.
The Mets are expected to have ace Matt Harvey back in the fold this season, and reigning Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom is unlikely to get bumped from the starting rotation. With Gee, Bartolo Colon and Jon Niese in tow that leaves no room for youngsters Rafael Montero or Noah Syndergaard to get an opportunity barring injury.
The Mets are unlikely to give up on one of those more exciting young pitchers to upgrade elsewhere though, leaving them to possibly undersell one of the veterans. So where do the Mets need to improve, and whom can they acquire by dealing an arm or two?
Shortstop
Mets fans are tired of light-hitting shortstop Ruben Tejada, who is a plus in the field but not so overwhelmingly as to make up for his poor hitting. 23-year-old prospect Wilmer Flores is expected to get the Opening Day nod at shortstop in 2015, but there are questions about his readiness to handle the position defensively at the MLB level in a full-time role.
Perhaps the Mets could swing a deal with their crosstown rivals and send one of their arms to the Bronx in exchange for Stephen Drew, who was recently inked to a one-year, $5 million deal? Maybe they insist on the younger Didi Gregorius and trade Colon or Gee?
There are plenty of teams that can use steady arms, and the Mets should explore shortstop options first if they are intent on dealing one away.
Corner Outfield
While Michael Cuddyer was a nice addition to a team that badly needed to upgrade its power in the outfield, he is not a surefire fix. He hasn't played in more than 139 games since 2011, nor has he topped 20 home runs since 2009. Cuddyer offers great contact rates and positional versatility as a backup first baseman. He is likely to drive in runs if put into RBI spots too.
But he's also a solid bet to miss time, so more depth is required in the outfield. The Mariners have an outfield glut, and the San Diego Padres have an even bigger one. Both teams could make good use of a veteran starter.
Bullpen
The back end of the Mets' bullpen is very solid with converted starter Jenrry Mejia leading the way. That doesn't mean the entire 'pen can't get better. These days having a monster bullpen has become increasingly important, so if the Mets don't like the returns offered for their valuable rotation arms, perhaps they can stock up on fireballing relief pitchers.
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