12:03pm: Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic tweets that the Mets and Brewers have discussed a package deal that would send both players to Milwaukee, though there’s no indication that anything is close to being completed. The D-backs are indeed in the mix for Cabrera, he adds.
9:05am: Teams who’ve spoken to the Mets about the availability of Asdrubal Cabrera have gotten the impression that he’ll be traded soon, reports Andy Martino of SNY.tv. While “soon” is a relative term, especially with the non-waiver trade deadline just four days away, Martino adds that the Mets then plan to shift their “full attention” to finding a trade partner for Zack Wheeler. Presumably, they’ll want to leave themselves ample room to discuss that swap, so it stands to reason that they’d hope to wrap up a Cabrera swap in short order.
ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted yesterday that the Diamondbacks have “checked in” on Cabrera as they seek to bolster their own infield mix. Joel Sherman of the New York Post adds the Indians and the Phillies to the fray, though he notes that Philadelphia’s interest would be stronger were Cabrera still viewed as a capable shortstop. Fancred’s Jon Heyman tweets that the Braves and Brewers, too, may be in the market. While a number of teams have inquired to some extent, the Post’s Mike Puma surmised yesterday that there are three or four teams with legitimate interest in Cabrera (Twitter link). As for Wheeler, he’s generating interest from the Brewers and Reds, per Martino. The Cubs had shown interest, though yesterday’s agreement to acquire Cole Hamels would quite likely put an end to that pursuit.
While the Mets have had just about everything possible go wrong for them over the past couple of seasons, their signing of Cabrera in the 2015-16 offseason has proven to be an excellent one. He’s earning $8.5MM in the third year of what proved to be a $25MM contract (after his 2018 option was exercised) and is hitting .277/.329/.488 with 18 homers, 23 doubles and a triple. Cabrera, though, has received dreadful defensive ratings for his work at second base (-18 Defensive Runs Saved, -6 Ultimate Zone Rating), which won’t do his trade value any favors.
As for Wheeler, he’ll obviously have the greater value of the pair, given his affordable salary, the fact that he’s controlled through 2019, his recent success and the plethora of teams seeking to bolster their rotation in the coming days. Over his past 10 starts, Wheeler has worked to a 3.50 ERA (3.40 FIP, 4.17 xFIP) with 7.8 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 and 0.56 HR/9 with a 40.2 percent ground-ball rate. His fastball has averaged 96.4 mph in that span, and he’s posted a strong 11.3 percent swinging-strike rate. Puma noted yesterday that as many as 10 teams have displayed some level of interest.
neonkeon23
packaged together, I could see Corey ray as the centerpiece.
augold5
I really hope not, that guy has been on a tear in July, and looks to be finally living up to his original hype. I’m hoping for something more like Ortiz/Stokes Jr/Morrison type return for both bit we’ll see
neonkeon23
I just dont know with DS. He hates the high k hitters. plus ray hasn’t yet had one full good year as a pro.
hiflew
Why would you hope not? The Brewers OF seems to be set for a while. You might as well get some value for the guy when he is hot.
augold5
Set for a while? Maybe set for next year. Cain will be 34 in 2020, Braun 36. I’m fine with trading him, but I don’t think Wheeler/Cabrera is the right return for Ray+. I would rather use him as a trade chip in the off season for an ace or a catcher
brewcrew08
Braun is a FA after the 2020 season regardless. Cain will still be solid and you have Yelich who will be in his prime. Pair those two with guys like Phillips, Broxton, Santana, Lutz, Gray, Bello(who they just drafted they will be fine. Not to mention once Braun’s 20M comes off the books they will be able to throw that at a solid OFer if they need to
augold5
How do you know Cain will still be solid, especially when his play is dependent on defense/speed. Ray could easily be better than Phillips/Broxton/Santana, and Lutz, Gray and bellow are at minimum 4 years away from the big leagues. I get we have depth but trading Ray for a rental and an injury prone starter doens’t seem smart
hiflew
Even if he is not solid, you guys are still gonna have him until 2022. And I don’t foresee the Brewers putting a nearly $20 million guy on the bench. As far as the corner OF goes, it’s not like those guys are hard to find for cheap on the FA market if you need them. If you can get a quality starter for ANY mid top 100 OF prospect, you do it.
augold5
Braun plays a bench role and makes almost 20M. Also, when Cain’s defense decreases as he ages he’ll most likely shift to corner OF. Wheeler is too injury prone to trade a guy drafted in the top 5 and is finally showing promise.
JKB 2
What does “set for awhile” mean. How long do you think Cain can perfom as a center fielder? Not too long I would suggest.
twentyforty
Phillips, Broxton, Santana…three guys that can’t hit…a lick. The others, not close to difference makers. But you already knew that…
fisher40
Laughable. The Brewers gave up one 1st round pick to the Sox yesterday. They’re not going to give up anymore. Ray is not going anywhere. You want young outfielders…. Broxton, Phillips take your pick
cgleffel
This is not true, there are so many paths blocked and too many hard choices for the 40 man at year end. It’s trade or leave unprotected.
notalent
Really? The Mets can have their pick of a 28 year old 29th round pick batting .180 or a 24 year old 6th round pick batting .180 in the major and .240 in the minors? You are far too kind.
augold5
Phillips sample MLB size this year is 22 AB…
nymetsking
.240 in 300 PCL plate appearances good enough gor you?
augold5
I wasn’t discrediting his AAA stats, they are somewhat alarming. Take a chill pill.
JKB 2
So the Brewers will not trade Ray because he is a first round pick? And because they traded a first round pick yesterday? So if they did not trade a first round pick yesterday then they would trade Ray? Is that what you are saying?
cgleffel
Ray is exploding and should be part of the centerpiece for degrom with one of peralta, hiura, Burnes. Ray likely will not go for wheeler/cabrera – mostly due to the amount of control on wheeler. Maybe if there was one more year.
brewcrew08
You’re argument confuses me. Ray should be part of a centerpiece for DeGrom but couldn’t fetch Wheeler because he has another year of control?
augold5
He’s saying the opposite of what you’re thinking. Cabrera/Wheeler wouldn’t be enough for ray because Wheeler is only controlled for 1 more year
bravesfan
I want the braves to go after Wheeler. I’m sure the price is to high, especially within the division. But home town kid and I think he’s a good pitcher
Braveslifer
I agree and may as well package Cabrera and have Swanson part of the package headed back to NYM
southi
Dude that is a horrible deal from a braves standpoint.
nymetsking
that makes no sense for either side
bravesfan
Yea they prob don’t want Swanson not to mention I don’t think the braves should give up on him yet. I simply want wheeler cause I think he would fit well with our young rotation. But we would have to literally cut off our arms to make that trade happen.
callingoutdummies247
Knowing the stupidity of Mets ownership, I’m sure he’d be easier to get than you think. Regardless of division. By the way I’m a Mets fan
hojostache
This is what every Mets fan is afraid of….ugh. Wheeler is *finally* pulling it together. Ever since he sped up his routine and cut the time between pitches he has been night and day different. His problem (beside injuries) earlier in his career was his inconsistency, which led to high pitch counts. He would have flashes of overpowering stuff, and then he’d throw 50+ pitches in 2 innings and yet pulled in the 5th after tailing off and giving up some runs. Now he has worked on being more efficient and his health has been better.
SilvioDante
The Cubs are interested in Cabrera, then that could only mean they either know for sure or are really worried that Bryant’s shoulder is badly messed up. Otherwise they already have enough depth w Bote, Happ, Baez, Russell and Zobrist to mix and match while KB heals.
dewssox79
or baez injury is worse
nymetsking
Bryant is DLed, Baez has PH the past two days and stayed in to take the field last night. Yeah, Baez seems to be the bigger concern.
mikeyst13
Or they are planning at making a run at another pitcher and Happ and or Bote would probably have to be included in the trade since their farm system is in such bad shape right now. Doubt that’s happening, but they could still try to make a push at Archer or someone like that. If it’s even in the back of their minds then they need a contingency plan if they have to deal away MLB talent.
Travis’ Wood
Um where does it say that? It says the Cubs were interested in Wheeler not Cabrera…. reading comprehension must be challenging for some people
julyn82001
Wheeler to A’s if the price is right for Billy Beane…
oaklandfan1
Honestly dont want the A’s to overpay for any of these pitchers because we are looking good for years to come with the team we have now and the prospects we have in our farm.
jvent
Wheeler and Cabrera to Milwaukee for Ray and Erceg or Hiura.
augold5
Lol… they aren’t worth that much
brewerswin
No way the Brewers are trading top prospects for that.
nik
It’s the Mets dude. Just pick up the salary.
mackows2
crack is whack sir
stubby66
I say go with Ray, Ortiz and Broxton then you got a deal.
augold5
If Ray is the headliner, I don’t think the secondary pieces need to be as good.
Danny B.
No interest in Broxton or Santana.
SuperSinker
What is this madnes
hojostache
That’d be amazing. It would also bolster the team I’m most likely rooting for in the NL. It’s not that I think they are a favorite…far from, but man their lineup could make it interesting if they keep hitting. Anyone but the Cubs/LAD from the NL.
AJPGotThat2020Vision
How do I delete someone else’s comment
stubby66
Is it me or does Cabrera and Wheeler to the Brewers make more sense then anything. They get Wheeler who they wanted 2 years ago and it works out even better for the Brewers in the end.
stubby66
Then turn around and get Gibson from Minnesota for Phillips, Kirby and Bickford
mikeyst13
Id take Gibson and Escobar/Dozier over Asdrubal and Wheeler, but either one of those packages would obviously be a drastic improvement for them. Just depends on price.
scottstots
agreed I really like Escobar a d Gibson
nik
It’s not just you. whoever wants the Mets stuff just has to buy it.. No talent return needed.
Bill
Not for Wheeler.
nik
Of course for Wheeler too. Its the Mets.
its_happening
Asdrubal makes a ton of sense for Milwaukee. Wheeler on the other hand has to perform the way he has the last two months to make it worthwhile. Otherwise it should be a concern that a guy with Wheeler’s stuff can’t keep his ERA under 4 pitching in that big ballpark with some decent road parks within the division.
Question for Brewers fans…since the Jays are not looking to win anytime soon, would you take Granderson and Martin for Braun?
AlBundysFanClubPresident
Not sure why the brewers would want granderson. We already have a LH, low avg/solid obp bat in Thames. And there’s Phillips who is much younger and a very good of’er who would make as much if not more sense than an aging vet, if the need for OF help arises.
And there’s no chance Braun waives his 10/5 rights to be traded anywhere..except the dodgers (and that I don’t think happens as long as Milwaukee is competitive).
its_happening
Not asking whether Braun waives the no trade. I asked you, everyone, if you’d do the trade. Let’s avoid all technical detail. I probably should have prefaced it. Brewers can use a catcher and 1 less body at 1B in Braun.
AlBundysFanClubPresident
Ok, fair enough. Still no need for Granderson though, imo. And getting a little more in depth here..but I don’t think Milwaukee has any wiggle room on the 40 man roster, so 1 for 1 makes the most sense. I’d probably do Braun for Martin.
It Braun and Villar/Perez for stroman…
its_happening
^I see you working. I also just watched CB Bucknor call time on a live play.
Armaday
Cabrera and Wheeler to the Phillies fir Sixto Sanchez and Kingery
bravesandcrewfan
Ha
koldjerky
A Wheeler and Cabrera combo package wouldn’t be something I’d be against the Phillies trying to get.
nik
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
NO. NO. FNO.. Why did life make me a Mets fan? This team doesn’t just make bad deals… they do it slowly, so you can see it coming. You scream and then watch it unfold in slow motion. With each trade deadline or winter signing of the obvious wrong guy, I die a little.
We have 50 million dollars of free money next season between Wright’s 2018 and Yoanus’ 18-19 insurance payout. Machado and/or Harper is 50 million less for us than anyone else. We’ve seen when this team has a good hitter or two…. it’s totally different.. *(Speaking of Yo – Ask Jessica Mendoza what lifting 1000 lbs on bad heels looked like as it was happening.)*
Buy some >GOOD< hitting!!!! We let the best arm and bat go to Philly this off-season.WHY?! This season would have been totally different had we gotten them. But noooooo. We dump money on Jason F-ing Vargas?? Frazier? Gonzo? Arrrgggghhhh.
There is no plan. We have three GMs and none of them will be GM next year, so hence — no plan. Trading Wheeler for whatever is jumping off a bridge because someone told you to.
It's malpractice.
It's a move for the sake of making a move. Does the team want a Vargas/ Oswalt 4-5 next year???? Holy cow the world has gone totally crazy. As fans we're brainwashed to discuss maximizing value and ignore winning as a worthwhile value. Wheeler is 28 years old, throws 98MPH with a 92 MPH slider and is under team control.. He's had more MLB success than THOR so far and has finally gotten healthy. He has value beyond this season to many teams… like, the Mets.
Malpractice.
hojostache
The Coupons/Wilpons have already shown their true colors. They are cheap AND under real constraints for signing players (no more than 2 years, a bunch of different people and possibly the bank need to sign off on deals, etc). They are literally the worst run team in the majors right now. There was mention that Wilpon considered wright’s full contract part of the payroll, but the $15m they get kicked back from insurance is not. I’m sure they will do the same this with Ces. They are a trash ownership group that are ruining a once promising franchise.
nik
NO. NO. NO. Why did life make me a Mets fan? This team doesn’t just make bad deals… they do it slowly, so you can see it coming. You scream and then watch it unfold in slow motion. With each trade deadline or winter signing of the obvious wrong guy, I lose a little part of my soul..
We have 50 million dollars of free money next season between Wright’s 2018 and Yoanus’ 18-19 insurance payout. Machado and/or Harper is 50 million less for us than anyone else. We’ve seen when this team has a good hitter or two…. it’s totally different.. *(Speaking of Yo – Ask Jessica Mendoza what lifting 1000 lbs on bad heels looked like as it was happening.)*
Buy some >GOOD< hitting!!!! We let the best arm and bat go to Philly this off-season.WHY?! This season would have been totally different had we gotten them. But noooooo. We dump money on Jason Vargas?? Frazier? Gonzo? Arrrgggghhhh.
There is no plan. We have three GMs and none of them will be GM next year, so hence — no plan. Trading Wheeler for whatever is jumping off a bridge because someone told you to.
It's malpractice.
It's a move for the sake of making a move. Does the team want a Vargas/ Oswalt 4-5 next year???? Holy cow the world has gone totally crazy. As fans we're brainwashed to discuss maximizing value and ignore winning as a worthwhile value. Wheeler is 28 years old, throws 98MPH with a 92 MPH slider and is under team control.. He's had more MLB success than THOR so far and has finally gotten healthy. He has value beyond this season to many teams… like, the Mets.
Malpractice.
G Vanlue
Wheeler’s only under control for one more year- no need to trade him for nothing, but if a team offers prospects with reasonably high upside for him, why not go for it? He’s not as good as Thor- the only measure by which he’s had more success than Thor might be by counting stats based on more innings pitched, over more seasons. Anyway, the odds are that the Mets will not compete next year, and he might not be as good. Worst case scenario is another replacement-level free agent to eat innings next year- Vargas hasn’t worked out, but another guy might, and if the team is miserable again, it doesn’t really matter, does it?
Armaday
Why would Harper want to come here?
sureshotschmitty
Exactly
To get him it would be a huge overpay and that will never happen!
hojostache
He has always said good things about the Mets. Over the all-star weekend he was gushing about deGrom. Harper gets a bad rap bc of his hipster hair and millennial attitude, but I’d love him with the Mets….just not on a $400m contract. He isn’t a super star….he is a very very good player who will consistently make the all-star team, but he isn’t Trout, Machado, Arenado, etc. Hell…Charlie Blackmon has looked better lately and may be the faaaaar better value when all is said and done w. his contract.
nymetsking
Don’t want him. Not only would he take up 75% of the team payroll, he’s been a self- centered jerk since high school. Many of his teammates can’t stand him. Lack of chemistry is why that team folds in the postseason. There’s enough dysfunction in Queens without him. You must work for one of the NY newspapers if you want him in Flushing
padam
Mets would be foolish to move Wheeler now unless they receive an overpriced offer. Wheeler is finally getting consistent time, and the results are gradually getting better, as well as his velocity. If the Mets hold on to him, they have a starting five next year, a closer, and some cash to sign what I would hope to be an impact player.
But I’ll never understand why they signed Bruce. Time to go fishing…
G Vanlue
It’s good to see Wheeler getting consistent results, and it would be great to see him have a long career with the team. But, does the team have a realistic shot of contending next year, especially if Cespedes misses most of the season? If not, then having one more season of Wheeler next year is not worth as much as the potential of a prospect who would have 5-6 years of control. So, to me, the return has to be decent, though not necessarily overpriced- a player who is in a team’s top 10 prospects, with a chance of being a regular or a starter, and the upside to contribute a few above average years.
padam
They could always extend/sign Wheeler considering he’s still young. I do agree moving him would also be logical, provided the return is good.
The Mets are in a unique position where they could move their top pitchers and pull in a return that would inject a quick, youthful reboot, or hold on to what they’ve got and use the cash that will be available to sign better free agents. They’ve done a terrible job signing position players, a terrible job the past several years drafting players, and focused on signing bandages instead of impactful players. Outside of the RA Dickey trade, I’m not sure I see anything else that stands out from the front office to brag about. I will say – the Mets have had some terrible luck with injuries, but I also account that to the players they’ve signed who have had a history of injuries or on the wrong side of 30.
JKB 2
But they will not contend next season so there is no point hanging on to Wheeler who will be a free agent after next year
seaver41
that is the only point that a Mets fan should be focused on. He has relatively no future value to the Mets.
ray_derek
Check back tomorrow to see who outbid Milwaukee
Danny B.
I believe a fair trade and believe will ultimately be the deal is Wheeler, Cabrera & Cash for Corey Ray, Lucas Erceg & Jacob Nottingham.
augold5
Thats fair?? A rental SS/2B with below average defense and an injury prone pitcher, who’s just now providing decent starts after years of under performance and DL time for 3 top 13 org prospects?? Not to mention one of them is a 20/30 guy through 100 games in AA, and is posting a ridiculous .313/.698/1.075 batting line along with 13SB in July. Mets fans need to temper their expectations with the return for Wheeler/Cabrera
Danny B.
I’ll bet you ANYTHING that if Wheeler is wearing a Brewers uniform, Corey Ray will be wearing a Mets uniform. Stop trying to fleece the Mets, not happening on a controllable SP.
augold5
Ray could be possibly be in a package(would be an overpay) but its realistic. Its not realistic with Erceg AND Nottingham. You’re crazy if you think all three would be headed to the Mets for those two
Danny B.
Why can’t Erceg & Nottingham be in the deal??? They’re not even Top 100 prospects. They could ABSOLUTELY get all three of them for both Wheeler & Cabrera. I’ve heard rumors of the Mets getting Ray & Erceg for Wheeler alone.
augold5
First do you have a source? Second, theres more to prospect value than being in the T100. Maybe you’re getting Wheeler confused with deGrom/Syndergaard
Danny B.
Haha, if it were DeGrom or Syndergaard the Brewers would have to give up Hiura, Burnes, Ray, Erceg, Peralta, Dubon & Nottingham. Stop overvaluing the Brewers prospects.
augold5
You forgot Hader, Yelich, Arcia, Shaw and Knebel. If you’re going to think up fantasy trades, you might as well go big.
Danny B.
Thank God the brewers don’t think like you because if they did, they would NEVER get a trade done
augold5
Well we’ll see what the Mets get for Wheeler and Cabrera. I think you will be sadly disappointed if you’re expecting something close to Ray/Erceg/Nottingham.
Danny B.
You’ll be disappointed when it is and I’ll be privately saying I told you so. Btw, you’re the ONLY person I’ve seen in the last few hours who doesn’t think the Mets will get Corey Ray plus. Says a lot about your mindset.
Armaday
I say they get Ray, Burnes and H.Perez
augold5
Please just stop with these obnoxious proposals.
Danny B.
Then leave unrealistic brewers fan. Nobody wants you here anyway.
Danny B.
No interest in Perez.
Vanilla Good
Are you Danny B or Sandy A? You seem to have inside knowledge about everything the Mets are looking at.
nymetsking
Sandy A has nothing to do with Mets “thinking” at the moment
dtrainriotmaker
Why wheeler ? Guess they hoping he does better for them . If you gonna get a starter at least try for degroom or even matz
bigdaddyhacks
I’ll take em both for Evan white and a low level arm.
Lyman Bostock
Wheeler came out of signing Beltran to that big contract back in 2005. Traded him for wheeler. Now wheeler might get the Mets a guy like Ray or Hiura if Milwaukee is dumb and desperate enough to make a playoff push. Wheeler could arguably be their best SP. It’s crazy how a FA signing in ‘05 can still be building up and positively effecting a franchise 13 years later and still going. For example .. say the Mets hey Ray from dealing wheeler and he becomes even an above avg major leaguer for the next 6 years. That would mean the Mets got almost 20 years of positive impact from signing Beltran in ‘05. Obviously it doesn’t always work out that way when you sign a big FA. But I just thought this was worth noting. I wonder how many other examples of a FA signing impacting a franchise positively for years their are out there …
pdubs2907
Zero chance the Brewers include Hiura or Burnes in a Wheeler deal.
Hantoneenee
Question for Mets Fans.
Why are mets fans on board with this front office trading any controllable players? We have no GM!!!. After the Familia trade and getting a questionable return, why would ANY met fan be comfortable with what they get in return for Wheeler or any player on their roster?
I get it people want a rebuild, but can’t you do the same in the offseason once a GM has been picked?
Just looking to try and see it from another perspective…..
nik
From your lips buddy…
Armaday
If the Mets don’t receive a great offer for Wheeler, they should just keep him. Brewers can’t afford deGrom.
pdubs2907
The Brewers can totally afford deGrom. They just may not want to
Molly231
Ray/Ortiz should get it done
You add 2 wins this year and possibly 3 next year very cheaply.
If Ray is only a Degrom/ Syndergaard type chip, he wouldn’t be outside the top 100 lists.
Backatitagain
I wonder if Cleveland would trade Jose Ramirez and Triston McKenzie for Ronald Acuna and Julio Teheran?