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Mets Pitching Depth Could Land Them An All-Star Outfielder

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In a tale as old as time, most contenders will look to acquire pitching at the MLB trade deadline this year. But with few bonafide sellers, the price for pitching could go through the roof. So, potential buyers with solid pitching depth, like the New York Mets, might explore taking advantage of the market and use their extra arms to improve other areas of the team.

Mets Pitching Depth Could Land Them An All-Star Outfielder

There have already been some whispers that David Stearns could explore flipping a starter to strengthen a battered bullpen. With Kodai Senga nearing a return and a top rookie establishing himself in the majors, solid veterans with middling upside have fallen on the Mets pitching depth chart. The team as a whole might be better served exchanging one of these veteran starters for a veteran reliever.

That said, right field has quickly become a troublesome spot in Queens. Manager Carlos Mendoza announced on Sunday that Starling Marte is progressing slowly from his knee injury. The team placed Marte on the injured list three weeks ago and initially thought he’d miss about a month. But at this point, a timetable for his return is unclear.

In Marte’s absence, New York has rotated DJ Stewart, Tyrone Taylor, and Jeff McNeil in right field. Unfortunately, none of the trio have taken full advantage of the opportunity to claim everyday at-bats until Marte returns. With the veteran out for the foreseeable future, the Mets could look to acquire an outfielder at the deadline, perhaps by utilizing its pitching depth.

In his Sunday notes column, Bob Nightengale of USA Today named several teams that are looking for starting pitching help this summer. One of those teams, the Baltimore Orioles, have reportedly previously explored trades involving its outfield surplus.

The Orioles currently have one healthy starter with an ERA under 3.00. The team only has one more with an ERA under 3.80. Additionally, only two starters have thrown over 99 innings at this point in the season. With a rotation impacted by injuries, many expect Baltimore to aggressively pursue a quality arm.

This could set the stage for the Mets to utilize its major league pitching depth to strengthen right field instead of the bullpen. New York’s bullpen still needs help. But in this scenario, other assets can be used to upgrade that unit.

The Amazins can dangle veteran lefties Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea, and David Peterson in these trade talks. None of the trio are aces, but each represents an upgrade to the middle of Baltimore’s current rotation.

Peterson carries the most value due to age, upside, and salary/team control. However, Quintana and Manaea are more established and have more experience in postseason baseball.

With multiple outfield prospects in a strong farm system, the Orioles could dangle All-Star veterans Austin Hays and Anthony Santander in these talks. These players have been mentioned as trade candidates over the past couple of years since current Baltimore prospects might hold more uspide. The Mets pitching depth could be the factor that motivates the Orioles to finally pull the trigger.

The players involved in these potential trades are not stars and won’t generate huge headlines. However, deadline trades for complimentary players that make the roster more well-rounded often reap the biggest rewards.

Austin Hays

Over the past four seasons, Hays has hit .260/.313/.436 (109 OPS+) with 57 homers, 110 doubles, and around league-average strikeout rates. While he’s played mostly left field in recent years, Hays has earned six Defensive Runs Saved in 953 1/3 career innings in right field.

Additionally, he is just 29 years old, is owed less than half of his $6.3 million salary for the rest of 2024, and is controlled via arbitration through next season. The former All-Star is a proven complementary piece that mashes lefties and holds his own against righties.

Hays has bounced back after a slow start this year. However, he has not hit right-handers well at all this season. Plus, underlying metrics don’t view his performance in a positive light. Unfortunately, his metrics this year has continued a multi-year trend of not making hard contact while whiffing and chasing too much.

The Mets lead the league with a 125 wRC+ against southpaws this year and rank ninth with a 109 wRC+ against righties. Adding a right-handed bat could clog the roster, especially in the outfield, if/when Marte returns this year.

Though Hays represents an imperfect fit, the Mets could turn their attention to his teammate.

Anthony Santander

Santander is having one of the best seasons of his career and was named as a late addition to the American League All-Star roster. This year, he has produced a 1.7 fWAR and has hit .237/.301/503 (125 wRC+) with 24 homers. Plus, metrics indicate he’s making quality contact with solid walk and whiff rates.

Like Hays, Santander is just 29 years old. But, he carries a much higher salary ($11.7 million) and will enter free agency following this season. While he predominately plays right field, defensive metrics don’t love his defense.

That said, the pros and cons of his profile fit the Mets very well. New York is not looking for a long-term piece in the outfield at this deadline. Plus, the Mets are able and likely will be willing to eat his remaining salary. Perhaps more relevant is that Santander’s salary is similar to both Quintana’s and Manaea’s, making the financial aspect of a potential deal a wash.

Furthermore, Santander is a switch hitter that produces only slightly better against right-handers. He can play every day with Marte out and would give New York the production against righties that Stewart has not. Plus, the Mets can use Taylor as a defensive replacement late in games.

The Mets will not sacrifice its long-term outlook at this deadline. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns will look to marginally upgrade the roster without sacrificing big prospects. Despite his success this season, Santander represents a piece that improves the roster without having to sacrifice important young assets.

It’s doubtful that the Orioles will trade him straight up for Quintana, Manaea, or Peterson. But a trade structured around Santander for one of these starters is possible and could benefit both sides.

Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

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