Mets Stroman Trade

The New York Mets made headlines this offseason thanks to some intriguing moves. Which includes but is not limited to bringing in former agent Brodie Van Waganen as general manager. One of his first moves in his position was to ship a package including two of the Mets top prospects. Being Justin Dunn and Jarred Kelenic, to the Mariners, in exchange for Robinson Cano and highly touted closer, Edwin Diaz. Showing his confidence in the team, dared the rest of the league to “come and get us,” Van Wagenen watched his team struggle to a 40-50 record at the All-Star break. Many speculated that the Mets’ front office had given up on the season, and would be sellers at the trade deadline (coming up on July 31st). Due to names like Todd Frazier, Jason Vargas, Zach Wheeler, and even Noah Syndergaard floated around in trade talks.

However, in a way that only the Mets could, they have turned around and baffled everyone, acquiring young ace pitcher, Marcus Stroman, from the Blue Jays. In the deal, the Mets will send their 4th and 6th ranked prospects, as ranked by Baseball America. Being LHP Anthony Kay, and RHP Simeon Woods-Richardson. Though league-wide belief was that the Mets were looking to move talent, they instead gained an All-Star pitcher. Ultimately signifying a win-now mentality going forward despite sitting six games back of the second wild card spot, and twelve and a half games back in the division.

Stroman, the 28 year-old right hander, was only 6-11 for the struggling Blue Jays this season. However, posted the 5th best ERA in the American League at 2.96, on his way to his first All-Star appearance. Born and raised on Long Island, he will return home after a solid career in Toronto. While amassing a record of 47-45 with a 3.76 ERA in just under 800 innings pitched. He’s a hard worker who’s not afraid to show his passion on the field leaving Toronto as a fan favorite. After his last start for the Blue Jays Wednesday night, Stroman said, “ I’ve always been emotional. I feel like I’ve had a pretty good tenure as a Blue Jay. There’s been no willingness from the front office to sign me, so I’ve just kind of come to terms with it and I’m ready to dominate, wherever that may be, absolutely dominate.” The Mets will have a decision to make next year when Stroman hits arbitration. They can either extend his contract or let him test free-agency in 2021.

The loss of two of the team’s top prospects leaves many fans dismayed. While the bad taste of the Edwin Diaz trade still sits on their tongue. It’s worth noting neither young pitchers dealt by New York ranked as an MLB Pipeline top 100 prospect this season. Kay started off his season at Double-A Binghamton going 7-3 with a 1.76 ERA in 12 starts. Before moving up to Triple-A Syracuse where he struggled, going just 1-3 with a 6.61 ERA in 7 starts. For Simeon Woods-Richardson, he’s 3-8 with a 4.25 ERA in 20 starts at Class-A Columbia, while posting 97 strikeouts in 78 1⁄3 innings. The tandem joins the wealth of young pitching prospects in Toronto.

As the trade deadline approaches, the word around is the Mets continue to shop young arms. Being that of Zach Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard, as well as a few veteran players.  If the move for Stroman was any indication of the Mets plans moving forward, the front office seems to believe they can right the ship. If the Mets, who are 11-5 since the All-Star break, can make a miracle playoff run behind their new acquisition, Brodie Van Wagenen lines himself up to look like nothing short of a genius.