It was widely assumed that the Blue Jays were going to trade Marcus Stroman before the deadline, and many rumors suggested that he could eventually wind up in New York. Exactly where in the Big Apple Stroman landed, however, ended up being the surprise, as it was the Mets (they of the 55-60 record and the six-game deficit in the NL wild card standings) who landed the right-hander, rather than the AL-leading Yankees. The Mets acquired Stroman from the Jays for Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson, two of the Amazins’ top pitching prospects.
Today’s stunner of a deal has already led to quite a bit of reaction and speculation about what moves could come next. The highlights…
- The Mets have “hijacked the [pitching] market” with the trade, ESPN.com’s Jeff Passan tweets. The Mets’ plan is to keep Stroman, and “the likelihood is strong they deal at least one of” Noah Syndergaard or Zack Wheeler. Reports from earlier this week suggested that New York could try to sign Wheeler, a pending free agent, to a contract extension, though Passan feels a long-term deal with Wheeler is “increasingly unlikely.”
- The Padres have been heavily linked to Syndergaard since the offseason, though USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that San Diego is “not optimistic” about landing the righty, since the Mets’ trade demands for Syndergaard are so high. ESPN.com’s Buster Olney tweeted earlier today that Manuel Margot had been discussed as part of the Mets/Padres talks.
- Seth Lugo is another Mets pitcher “gaining late interest” in trade talks, the New York Daily News’ Deesha Thosar reports (Twitter link). Lugo has been the Amazins’ best reliever this season, posting a 2.77 ERA, 11.94 K/9, and 5.15 K/BB rate over 52 innings. Lugo is under control through the 2022 season, so he’d cost a hefty price in a trade, and one wonders if the Mets would even consider moving such a relatively inexpensive long-term asset since they’re planning to contend next year. (Plus, Lugo becomes even more valuable to the pen if the Mets were to deal Edwin Diaz.)
- Chris Hemsw….er, that is, Syndergaard himself poked fun at the trade speculation in a tweet of his own.
- Several of The Athletic’s baseball writers (subscription required) joined forces for a roundtable discussion about the Stroman trade, with Jayson Stark perhaps summing things up with this comment that “Nobody can confuse an entire industry like the Mets.” Multiple writers pointed out that the Mets’ poor infield defense doesn’t suit Stroman’s grounder-heavy attack. If Stroman is the first step to flipping Syndergaard, it’s still an odd tactic for a team in win-now mode — as Tim Britton puts it, “New York is replacing [Syndergaard] in 2020 with someone [Stroman] older, with less team control, and whose track record is not quite as good.” From the Blue Jays’ perspective, Kaitlyn McGrath notes that adding Kay and Woods Richardson meets Toronto’s desire for pitching depth, given the relative lack of young arms in the system.
- Today’s deal ends Stroman’s often-controversial tenure with the Jays, as the Toronto Star’s Gregor Chisholm chronicles the multiple instances when the “fractured relationship” between Stroman and the Jays become public. While a trade may have always been inevitable given the Blue Jays’ rebuild, “bad blood on both sides is one reason why a team desperate for pitching opted to trade one of its most talented arms,” Chisholm writes.
- Stroman (via his Twitter account) did leave with grateful words for fans in Toronto and Canada, while also expressing excitement at returning to play for his hometown team.
delete
Seems like the Blew Jays blue it. No way that was the best they could get for Stroman.
lammyj34
*Blew
Theone23
What is it with people like you that absolutely have to correct someone’s spelling on the internet. It’s the internet. You still know what he meant. Does it make you feel better about yourself, that you actually know how to spell the word correctly?? If so, that’s pretty sad.
thunderbolt
listen man. they guy is doing him a favor by correcting him. if you think it’s okay to misspell something because “iTs tHe InTeRnET,” you’re the one that’s sad.
thunderbolt
the guy* see, i even correct myself.
The Virus
The original poster was being sarcastically funny – he wrote the “Blew” Jays “Blue” it. Now do you all see what he did there? The grammar police need to be arrested by the “Hellooooo???” Police lol pow pow !!!
LosPobres1904
He was being funny byotch
The Virus
The original poster was being sarcastically funny – he wrote the “Blew” Jays “Blue” it. Now do you all see what he did there? The grammar police need to be arrested by the “Hellooooo???” Police lol pow pow !!!
Ted
Stroman was the top pitching target of this deadline with multiple suitors. You think the Jays just decided to take the first low-ball offer they got? This is market price for a year and a half of control. Two legit pitching prospects isn’t exactly a bag of balls in return.
DTD
Legit? Neither are close to legit, not even top 100 prospects. If this was the best offer they could get, they’d have been better off looking to trade in the off-season.
bklynny67
Anthony Kay was top 100 all season and as recently as 3 days ago before they released the mid season rankings that included players just drafted in June.
KnicksFanCavsFan
@dtd Maybe the Jay’s scouts see something in the two pitchers they received? One was a 1st round pick the other a 2nd round pick. Without reading their scouting reports they both seem to be able to miss bats. Not every top 100 prospect was on the list their entire career. At some point they were not seen as top 100 outside their own organisation.
Troutmagnet
Kay is their number one pitching prospect and Woods-Richardson is their number two. That’s not to be sniffed at. I’m fine with that as our ‘haul’ – so we didn’t get two more throw-aways to pad out the minors in with the deal. Those are ten a penny.
delete
I think the Blue Jays would have had a better idea of the real market price if they didn’t jump the gun and just waited for the deadline to get a bit closer.
rock30
Dude, no one is going to give up premium pitching prospects for 1.5 years of control. Organizations have gotten smarter despite what you and others, like you, think or seem to see.
delete
They could have gotten more than they got. Read before you comment next time.
User 2997803866
Yikes … looks like we’re not allowed to have opinions anymore. Maybe you should check yourself before commenting.
Seriously though, this is a solid return, especially given Stroman didn’t want to be there, and we all knew it. The new regime from Cleveland wanted a rebuild, Stroman didn’t nor did he really seem to ever grasp the point of it all. He just wanted to win now. And now… he’s stuck with the Mets.
delete
He put words in my mouth… Which you also would have known if you’d read the thread before commenting… Yikes
herecomethephillies2018
Are you new to baseball or did you forget the Archer and Quintana trades?
adlund09
And how are those two trades working out for the Pirates and Cubs? You kinda just showed WHY teams won’t give up premium talent in trades like this…
herecomethephillies2018
I didn’t say teams SHOULD give up premium talent. He said no one is giving up premium talent and that teams have gotten smarter and I pointed out two recent trades where in fact the teams did not learn and did give up premium talent, and in both cases it was for mid-rotation arms.
jdgoat
Both of those guys had way more control on team friendly deals.
PiratesFan1981
Tell that to the Pirates
BasesLoaded
How do you know?It just show what teams value oppose what fans value is way different.
Cuso
He blue himself
Gwynning
They’re not tricks, they’re illusions!
didi gregorious nose
Mets fan here. I think the Jay’s fans will be pleasantly surprised when they see simeon woods pitching, I get it you’ve seen the record and era but keep in mind mets team where he’s currently playing lacks talent. Also kay was dominating until he got called up these are both power arms with a ton of upside. Give it time I’m mad we gave up those 2 arms but I’m sure brodie will trade Noah and Diaz and replenish the far.
jim stem
As a Mets fan myself, I have to continually ask, “What has happened to coaching and the ability to adapt?” How is it that every single one of our players’ stats are worse other than Rosario, Alonso and McNeil? Coaches need to put away ‘the binder’ and start having in impact. This team seems to constantly fail in the regard. Hernandez see it. Darling sees it. I’m sure other coaching staffs see it or else they wouldn’t want our players! If Diaz is so terrible, why would another team want him? The easy answer is that a good coach would have had him straightened out by now.
grant77
When is the last time we saw a controllable pitcher of Stroman’s calibre not get a single top 100 prospect or productive major leaguer?
This has to be one of the most lopsided deals we have seen in a very long time.
sportznut1000
i feel like the rays didnt get very much for david price. now they did turn around and trade smyly for a good return but then intial return was underwhelming
MB2
While Smyly pitched well at times before his injury, you may have forgotten that the second big chip in that trade for the Rays was Willie Adames- A very good fielding 23 YO Shortstop with good power now in his first full year in the majors.
jk2me1310
kay was in the top 100 until all the new 2019 draft picks got added the last few weeks.
steelerbravenation
So was Wilson
RBI
Kay was not in the top 100 of ESPN, nor MLB.com, nor Fangraphs. In Which rating did you see Kay rated?
Joseph12992
He said it above “kay was in the top 100 until all the new 2019 draft picks got added the last few weeks.” He is right and that was on MLB.com btw
martras
Bleacher Report kept Kay in the top 100 even after the draft. This was a good trade, and the best offer the Blue Jays were getting.
It was also a fair offer for a guy who has less than 1-1/3 years of control and isn’t a bonefide #1 or ace caliber pitcher.
There are huge overpays (Archer).
There are huge underpays (Cole).
Then there are deals which are pretty close to where they should be (Stroman).
People play the lottery in hopes they’ll win… they don’t go out and buy a new car before the numbers are drawn with expectations they’ll win.
matt4baseball
Sadly for you and your Jays team, this was too little return for your Ace M Stroman. As a Rays fan I’m well informed of his ability and determined attitude. I don’t know how our excellent GM didn’t get him? Anyhow, Stroman should have brought back 1- 75 up prospect and another 100 easily. I hope your 2 work out but there are more buyers than sellers for SPs right now. Supply and demand! I’m told the players association is filing a petition for collusion on certain positions with all owners to keep salaries down. That should tell you something!
PiratesFan1981
Lopsided is that Pirates trade with Archer last year. That is arguably the most lopsided trade of this decade
steelerbravenation
In all honesty would a Wilson & Wentz to Toronto for Stroman deal be a better return than what they got from the antes ????
And if not that you can’t tell me with the depth of arms in Atlanta’s minors a better deal couldn’t be made.
Not that Stroman was my top choice by any stretch but when I see a deal like that I can’t understand why or how AA didn’t jump on it.
Not only to help us but to hurt them next year.
mvfreep
Totally baffled by this. Almost like BVW said well I totally screwed us this year so why not screw some other teams. Seems Braves could have picked Stroman up for Touki and Bryce and called it a day.
steelerbravenation
Probably less than that I was thinking Bryce & Wentz
mvfreep
Heard that. But in all honesty if Stroman ends up being the best pitcher available they can have all 3 in my book.
bencole
Being very familiar with all 4 prospects, the guys they got were higher upside, Wilson and Wentz are a bit higher floor and there’s a bit more certainty. These two offers are pretty close
christian18cutshaw
AA rejected a contract extension with the Jay’s in 15. I’d say they have no intentions on doing any dealings with him for awhile. Considering their tendancy to have bad blood with multiple players/employees over the years. Seems they like to hold grudges. With how ignorant the Jay’s seem to be that could be why the let stroman go for a bag of balls, could be to simply send him a message. Hope I’m wrong because id like to see the Braves and Jay’s come together in a deal for Gile. If rather have him than Stroman but we’ll probably never know.
RunDMC
I don’t think Jays can afford to not trade with ATL, especially if they want pitching. If Brad and Jen can patch things up…
todd76
Bizarre.
ForestCobraAL
The Mets are all in on taking third place from the Phillies.
13Morgs13
It’s a smart move by the Mets. They can try again next year(with Stroman). Best part for them they got him while not really giving up much in return.
steelerbravenation
Next year and the year after and the year after
He is from LI which is right down the LIE from Citifield I am sure he would be looking for an extension coming home with his intensity to pitch in front of family & friends.
Show Me Your Tatis
lmao
MB923
I assume by try again you mean compete. If they want to compete next year, then why trade Syndengaard who has even longer team control than Stroman? Yes they haven’t traded him yet, but it’s highly likely they will.
steelerbravenation
I think the Mets are tired of Thor’s act
Plus with limited minor league talent BVW needs to be creative to fill holes
The drop off may be minimal from Thor to Stroman but the return of Thor can fill some holes they couldn’t fill other wise
RunDMC
Tired of Thor’s act so they bring a guy making his bitterness for no extension public? Thor is the right kind of circus that the NY media relishes.
KnicksFanCavsFan
@mb923 We woke up today not expecting Stroman to be traded to the Mets so maybe it’s not absurd to think maybe they’ll hold on to Syndegard too.
steelerbravenation
This passed up the Kazmir for Zambrano deal
Mets fans should never have to hear bout that deal again after this fleecing
Jonas Altman-Kurosaki
… Are you high? Comparing Zambrano to any even remotely desirable trade candidate ever?
RicoD
Seems like step one in trying to salvage the year for the Mets. Curious to see how they handle the rest of the trade deadline. Stroman’s deal has to be a move to compete next year.
Everyone seems to be on the same page with the underwhelming return for stro
TradeAcuna
Wish the Braves cared about winning!
steelerbravenation
My sentiments exactly !!!!
DTD
The Braves do, Liberty Media doesn’t. You have to separate the 2.
TradeAcuna
Pretty sure the attachment to all their overrated pitching prospects is all on AA not LM. Regardless, yes, LM is not helping the cause either.
mvfreep
Can’t really separate a team from the owner. They are one in the same in my book.
steelerbravenation
Gotta get off the Liberty Media nonsense
It’s not true
All baseball decisions run through Terry McGuirk
When Liberty Media bought the Braves as a throw in for the Time Warner acquisition MLB could have made them sell
Liberty Media wanted to keep the Braves for tax reasons
MLB made a deal with them to allow them to keep the team without having to sell but they had to run the team separate from their other entities and Terry McGuirk would be in charge and all baseball decisions run thru him
They can’t pull any money in or out of the Braves entity their sole purposes as owners are for the tax breaks they are entitled to they did not want to lose
I believe MLB allowed this deal because if Liberty were forced to have to sell Mark Cuban would have made a strong effort to buy them and the good ol boy network of MLB owners want no part of him so allowing Liberty to keep them it keeps Cuban out & Librty keeps the tax breaks
But it’s been documented Terry McGuirk makes the defacto owner decisions
RunDMC
Anyone still believing Liberty Media is to blame cannot read that much. Please be more concise. They are limited to headlines and road signs. Liberty Media Not Blame.
matt4baseball
Trust me, as a businessman and stock holder. If Liberty Media call’s James McGirK at anytime day or night, he does what they propose without question.
steelerbravenation
They don’t care one way or the other as a businessman you should realize
They own the team and once those tax breaks are done they will sell the team
They have no interest in the Braves other than the tax breaks
BasesLoaded
They care about winning. They love their Best Farm Championship Belt.
TradeAcuna
Hey, you stole my joke!
acarneglia
Mark was keeping that Chris Hemsworth joke in his pocket for weeks probably
rct
It’s not Mark’s joke. Click the link. Syndergaard tweeted a picture of Hemsworth.
beyou02215
I’d move Margot in a Syndergaard deal. That can’t be a hang up.
ThePriceWasRight
I’m sure Margot is just a piece. likely a sp prospect coming back as well
beyou02215
Indeed. If that’s the case, then the Pads should try very hard, so long as that prospect isn’t Gore.
king beas
Margot is anything but a major piece
BartoloHRball
As the 3rd or 4th piece, not the headliner. A top young arm needs to cone back, preferably two, and another 1-2 guys bc the Mets have more leverage now. MadBum off the market, Bauer is likely off the market with CLE back and neck with MIN. The Mets have Stroman, Wheeler, Syndegaard, and even Vargas to offer….three of the best four/five names available.
steelerbravenation
I think Thor will be moved though
1. I don’t think they like him much
Tired of his act
2. Think bout all the holes they gotta fill
Thor will fill at least 2 holes that the Mets didn’t have a way of filling
Young CF & a young C and another young SP in a deal
jvent
Was hoping to trade Thor to LAD for (C) Will Smith,CF Pederson orVerdugo and May
BartoloHRball
So does every Mets fan bc that is far better than Margot & Hedges or anything of the spare parts the Yankees will likely try to offer.
downsouth
YES!! Verdugo, May and Smith for Thor and Justin Wilson (and maybe Wilson Ramos) would be great for the Mets. and the Dodgers. Other pieces could be added.
RunDMC
Wait, you think LAD will trade 3 pieces from their active roster for Thor? Why would anyone take that chance? Other teams have to catch them and they need more bullpen help than rotation. Ryu, Kershaw, Buehler are perhaps one of the best series matchups in MLB.
RIPprosports
Not happening
gijoelm
Steelerbravenation you don’t know much about the Mets. They have no problem with Syndergaard off the field. He’s very press and fan friendly and has a good sense of humor. I’m sure they’re frustrated by his underperformance, but they know he’s still a quality SP
steelerbravenation
They liked the fact he refused an MRI
They like the fact he said he doesn’t care what anybody says and goes out & throws the ball 100 mph in spring training games risking injury
How bout this year when he publicly goes out and throws his catcher under the bus and says not that he doesn’t want to pitch to Ramos but that he won’t pitch to Ramos
There was an issue with a GOT episode and him not being with the team but somewhere else watching the show
I live in NY & the local sports talk is probably 75%et fans and I gotta hear them cry all day long
I am up to my ears with the Mets
They are tired of the whole Thor persona
Bocephus
Just because some Mets fans call and whine about Thor, and are tired of him doesn’t mean the organization is. God if that was true the idiots would running the asylum. If a GM makes decisions based on fans than he’ll be sitting in the stands with them.
chaz
Sentiment in Toronto leaning at least 20 to 1 that the Jays got fleeced.. Could be the move that spells the end for the current regime.
Ted
Let’s see your evidence that there were better offers out there.
24TheKid
We’ll never know as they traded him 3 days early. Tampa Bay waited til last second and look what they got.
martras
You think teams are putting in offers and letting Toronto just sleep on it for 3 days? Teams who are looking for pitching are going to keep looking. If Toronto waits and the teams who were legitimately pursuing upgrades lock in a different guy before Toronto is ready to agree and the Blue Jays get nothing. High and dry or they take a significantly lower offer.
The expectations major upgrades in offers are coming in the next couple days is fraught with risk for the Blue Jays, who were absolutely intent on moving Stroman.
steelerbravenation
Who ever really knows who offers what
This just tells us what and how Toronto’s FO values certain players
They obviously felt higher about these guys than mostly everybody else that probably has ever worn a baseball glove or opened a pack of Topps cards
It’s not about what the actual offers we know about it’s more about knowing prospects values and seeing they obviously don’t know what the they are doing
stormie
Richardson may not have been top-100, but he was probably the highest-upside arm they could get, which was the appeal for them when paired with a lower-upside but close-to-ML arm. Nonetheless, it’s still a light return when you consider Stroman will net the Mets a compensatory pick if he signs elsewhere after 2020 and the Jays are also sending cash to cover his remaining salary this year. They should’ve at least been able to score a 3rd prospect from lower in the Mets system.
martras
The Mets, like most teams who are moving to upgrade right now, are not receiving revenue sharing from the league. This means, if the Mets offer Stroman a qualifying offer (which is far from guaranteed), they would only net a 3rd rounder from the Compensatory B round.
Stroman looks like a QO candidate now, but if he tanks next year or has a major injury, it’s not happening. It’s also not happening if the Mets deal him to another team as a rental.
Certainly the QO looms in the minds of GMs, but it’s probably not as big of a consideration for a lot of teams as it seems you’re thinking.
Sleeper
Even assuming there was no better value available to them, why settle for this now? There’s still a few more days until the deadline comes to pass, and if by that point nothing better comes along, hold onto him. He’s not an impending free agent and quality SP is always in demand. This is a pretty underwhelming package to jump at.
DTD
Even if there weren’t better offers at this point, they had 3 days left to see what came to them. They also could’ve waited until the off-season. This was a poor trade.
martras
First, as I noted above, waiting and hoping some major change in the offers from other teams come in is risky. There are other pitchers teams may very well target on the market right now. Better pitchers. Ace-like pitchers. If teams get tired of waiting on the Blue Jays and they step up to a better pitcher, there are no reasonable offers left for the Blue Jays.
Stroman is worth way less in the offseason. That’s assuming Stroman keeps pitching as well as he has been for the rest of this year, doesn’t get hurt and doesn’t tank. If Stroman gets hurt, the Blue Jays get nothing. If Stroman tanks (and his ERA being so much better than his FIP suggests it’s likely), the Blue Jays may get much less.
terry g
In my opinion the Mets are not playing by the modern playbook and care little for the farm. If they can get major league ready players for Noah, they may trade him. Otherwise, they’ll keep him.
If I was other team fans, I would be asking why they didn’t step up and beat the Mets offer. Maybe, the writers and fans have missed a change in the market as many did during the off season, and team offers are much lower than expected. That wouldn’t surprise me. Or clubs are valuing prospects much higher than we realize.
We have 3 days left to see were this market really is. I think there will be trades, probably most on the 31st, but the returns will be disappointing .for most.
steelerbravenation
After this trade there will be a lot of trades going down
The Blue Jays set the market low
steelerbravenation
May as well keep Wheeler too
The draft pick probably be worth more than what they can get for him now
The Stroman deal probably effected his trade value
marlins17
I get that it was the Mets’ “best” pitching prospects but thats not saying much and Kay doesnt have much more upside while Simeon does have a high ceiling, he is certainly a project. Thats a steal for Stroman.
bbatardo
Watch the Mets flip Stroman lol
PhilsPhan
That would actually make sense tho
astrosfan4life
They should since they paid 30 cents on the dollar for him. Flip him to a contender for a top 50 prospect and one or two others. Some team will pay.
A-A
Has anyone ever re-traded a player in the 3 days before the deadline?
steelerbravenation
Don’t know if it was 3 days but Piazza from Marlins to Mets was pretty fast
Dan Rogers
That wasn’t at the deadline though. It was mid May from what I remember
nymetsking
Wasn’t 3 days, but Jaime Garcia was traded twice the week before the July 2017 deadline.
Rob80
The track record of this Jays front office hasn’t been great (to be kind), but most of us never knew these Mets pitchers were alive 3 hours ago. Hard to actually have an informed opinion on this return
king beas
Margot better be the worst piece in the trade if it happens
nowheretogobutup
Padres trade Margot, Morejon and a top 50 prospect for Thor both sides look good
gavilan
no, I don’t think so.
kylegocougs
The Mets have made Thor and Wheeler more valuable by removing the only other starter anyone would want (Stroman).
Maybe they think now they can get something BETTER than they just gave up. Or they could really go wild and trade all three of the guys.
PhilsPhan
Agree. If you can’t win you can at least take away from others
A-A
The market spoke for itself. The Mets outbid other teams. Hard to see how the market being softer than we thought for 8 months of Stroman making it stronger for a 2 month rental on Wheeler.
Watch the Mets just keep Wheeler and QO him
bradthebluefish
Matthew Boyd is still available. And if the prices that the Mets are charging are too high, teams will go for relief pitchers rather than starters.
But I do agree that this could work for the Mets. We’ll see.
jvent
If it’s Thor going to San Diego it better start with Quantrill or Morejon,Mejia and forget Margot I would rather have Renfroe.
steelerbravenation
Mets need a CF they have enough corner OF
braves4life1
I’ve had an opportunity to both read & listen to many reactions regarding the Mets most recent trade for Stroman, many throwing their arms up in the air asking “Why?”. Logically speaking, I have to agree based off what the Mets have currently in the rotation & team Control management has regarding their most potent trade pieces in Syndergaard and Diaz. But was this move more daring & calculated than we expected? Was this move designed to put maximum pressure on the Braves to provide them the “King’s Ransom” they so covet in trading 2 great players to a Division rival. The Mets sent scouts to the Braves minor league affiliates with a good idea what they wanted & needed. The Braves AA might have been thinking I want Thor & Diaz, but I dont want to pay Big League for them, and my fall back option if I cant work with the Mets on a deal is turn to Stroman. The Mets front office knows the Braves are missing a couple of pieces, their pieces, to beat the Dodgers & get to the Series. Now, the Braves have No back up option, and AA wants controllable pieces, no rentals. Now the Mets say…”We took your fallback option away,If you want a World Series shot, pay our price, or we ship Thor to the Pads & get good prospects, but we’d rather have your multiple High end pitching prospects….but we can & will trade Thor to the Pads if need be”. This may have been an arm-twisting calculated move, no doubt. How bad now does the Braves want a World Series shot or hang onto their prospects. Like Smoltz said, Thor & Diaz beat the Dodgers, guys like Mike Minor doesn’t.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
Nope.
braves4life1
Elaborate
jbigz12
I dont really believe this deal is as awful as people say for the Jays. It’s largely dependent on SWR’s development though. I think Kay as the closest piece is the underwhelming part. He’s probably really a #4 starter and he’s struggling in AAA. Absolutely dominated AA this year but he was a bit older for that competition. It’s definitely going to take some patience to see how the Jays did here because I don’t think Kay is going to be knocking anyone out w his ability
king beas
Kay was better than Devi Garcia in AA and both have struggled mightily. Won’t hear that from the media though
jbigz12
Kay is 24 years old and Deivi just turned 20. Kay went to college and that’s a consideration but it’s still relevant. I would and I think anyone would rather have Deivi. Kay could be a fine starter but there is no high ceiling there at all. There’s nothing wrong w what he can be it’s just not very exciting and that’s if he gets there.
A guy like Deivi could flame out but he has the potential to be a #2 starter or a back of the bullpen piece. The exciting arms people like to see. Nothing wrong w being an Anthony Kay though. JA Happ types can carve out long careers.
braves4life1
This Mets/Blue Jays deal, was an absolute WIN for the Mets both in the trade itself & the potential trade being discussed before Wednesday 4pm trade deadline involving Thor & Diaz. The Mets have the Control now like never before. The Mets realized that no matter if you are the Braves, Cubs, Brewers, Nationals, Phillies, or Cardinals…All roads to getting to the World Series must 1st go through L.A. PERIOD. The Mets too know that they have the pieces that these teams could use to beat the Dodgers. Unless you want a Rental, WE Have The Controllable Pieces For Your Team To Beat The Dodgers. There are no controllable fall back options anymore worthy of taking the Dodgers out, we took that away. Pay us Big League for Thor & Diaz or we ship Thor to a non-contending Padres & still get back better in prospects than what we gave up. Great move by the Mets!!!
jbigz12
I actually tend to agree here. Unless the Indians decide to sell Bauer who is the best arm on the market? Mike Minor or Matt Boyd? This move could actually pay dividends if the big teams realize they need a Thor or Stroman and have nowhere to pivot to. I don’t think Bauer is available and I’m pretty sure you don’t want to pay Detroit’s ask for Boyd.
This is a risky move to be sure. But the prospect cost wasn’t exorbitant to gain a much larger share of the pitching market. Any team looking at Thor no longer has a Stro to fall back on. Could end up paying dividends or BVW couldve put Jon Daniels or al Avila in a much better position. We’ll see how it shakes out.
steelerbravenation
As a Brave fan do you want to see AA give up what it takes to get Thor & Díaz ???
I am still in the Get Greinke mode with maybe a Iglesias or Vázquez as a closer & LeClerc, Givens or Kela as an extra piece for the bullpen.
Thor’s act is getting tired I am not a fan at all
braves4life1
If I were running the Braves, I would look at it from the point of..”How do we beat the Dodgers?” I truly believe that with Thor & Diaz, the Braves can get the Job done. With Bumgardner & Smith, the Braves can get it done, but it would have to be a trade with an extension agreement for 2 to 3 years with Bum. The Braves cannot beat the Dodgers any way else. So the question is this…”Do the Braves want to go All-In for a shot in 2019 & possibly 2020, or not?” In my opinion there is no need to deal unless it’s for Thor/Diaz or Bum/Smith with an agreement by Bum to immediately sign a 2 to 3 year deal
steelerbravenation
I think MadBum wants longer extension than 2 or 3 years
He just turned 30 I say he is looking for Corbin time & money
For that not interested
I would be willing to get him for the rest of this year if it cost us a similar package to what Stroman got or actually less because he is a rental
Still say Greinke is our best bet he is a pay more for shorter time option
If MadBum could be had for 3 years maybe 4 I say ok but can’t do a 5 or 6 year no way
Yankeepatriot
Please flip him to us
SheaGoodbye
I’ve never understood why baseball writers can’t seem to understand this very basic scenario:
Team 1 gives up Players XYZ for Player A. Team 1 believes they would be acquiring Player A at a cheap cost.
Team 1 gives up Player B for Players UVW. Team 1 believes they would be moving Player B for a great haul.
Player A and Player B are not far apart in terms of performance.
I’m not saying that this is necessarily the Mets plan, but the fact that baseball people cannot understand how such a series of trades might benefit a team in the Mets position is sad. It’s not rocket science, even if the likelihood of them pulling it off isn’t high. There’s nothing confusing about it.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
What IS confusing is that Stroman has supposedly been one of the most in-demand trade chips for weeks, maybe months now, and the BJs let him go for two prospects NOT listed as top 100 prospects overall… DAYS before the deadline.
There has to be some embarrassing photos somewhere that somebody doesn’t want released…
Sabermetric Acolyte
Well if you go by the possible bad blood between Stroman and the Jays it is possible the Jays are punishing him by sending Stroman to that wasteland that is the NY Mets.
dalrob
All this speculation by all you people who actually have no clue about any of the negotiations between any of the teams involved. “Prospects” have more value now than ever as baseball finds more ways to get cheaper and screw the fans over. Baseball has peaked and fans everywhere are losing interest. All these inane comments don’t help as you act as if you are “in the know”. Truth is foe every JP Arencibia, who blows up, there is a Kevin Pillar that comes from nowhere. None of us will know who
Won the trade for years. I can tell you Stroman is a borderline narcissist who has worn out his welcome and is not wanted near all the Jays kids that are now the present.
steelerbravenation
Sounds like the Mets will be replacing Thor with a mirror image
OHjohns
The 18 year old has 97 k’s in 78 innings. Seems like he might be okay..and only 17 walks
braves25
I would not be surprised if the Mets keep Thor too! After the trade for Stroman Callaway talked about how they still think they can win this year! He this was a sign that BVW believes it too.
braves4life1
T Mets can sign Wheeler to a deal in the off season, but the best way to replenish the Farm is through Thor & Diaz. But why not trade Thor now? In 2020, the Mets have a great 1-2-3 punch in the rotation if they resign Wheeler. Trade Thor, you get better prospects than what you gave up for Stroman. That is why the Mets sent scouts to both the Padres & Braves, to restock the Farm
jbigz12
It’s not important to have a stocked farm if youre trying to win now. It’s nice to have to be able to dip into for talent and deals but it’s better have a good ML team. Thor should only be dealt for guys who will be ready to contribute next year. That would likely be prospects as most teams don’t trade young major leaguers but they need to be upper level minor leaguers like Kyle Tucker or Aj Puk+. Somebody who can step in and contribute within the first 2 weeks of 2020. And for that plan to make any sense it can’t just be one prospect either. It has to be at least 2 that can step right in and fill some of their holes.
paddyo furnichuh
In comparison, Hemswrorth seems to make Syndergaard quite the lesser Thor.
Rightout
BVW is a total egomaniac…he has totally destroyed the trade value for pitchers in this years trade deadline market.and toronto was just fine helping out….2 borderline prospects for Marcus is a joke….If I was a MLB GM I would never do a deal BVW….
jbigz12
I may have gotten less intelligent reading this.
Rightout
You did
Swen
Good trade for the Mets. For what they gave up every team (excluding Boston) should have been in on him. I only say Boston shouldn’t have because of the tax hit, he isn’t worth the penalty.
Rightout
The Mets have a bottom 10 farm sytem …since they traded int all away to seattle for diaz and cano….You tell me any team in contention for the playoffs would have not offered more the this…Toronto hates marcus I get it but to trade him away for a lottery ticket and a long relief guy is sad….
Rightout
I guess Thor is worth a bag of balls now that BVW traded garbage for Marcus…BVW thinks he is the smartest guy in the room…then someone tells him eveyone left an hour ago…
Rightout
Met fans BVW should now trade the Savior Degrom For A buch of prospects and then trade Wheeler Matz Marcus And Thor and say Now Mets are in a total rebuild…….Actually not a bad idead unless you like 75 win Mets teams for the next 5 yeas….
Ronk325
While it’s a puzzling move it’s actually not bad on the Mets end. If their set on trading Syndergaard now then Stroman is a good replacement. Also if they’re not in contention next year Stroman can probably be moved for a better package than what the Mets just gave up. They could also tag him with the QO if he’s not traded and get a nice draft pick. Overall this actually isn’t the worst thing the Mets could have done
steelerbravenation
It was great for the Mets what they did
It’s stupid what the Blue Jays did
I am sorry if there were not better packages today there would have been better offerings 3 days from now
jbigz12
Steeler, by your logic you ought to like what the Mets did then. If there’s a better package in 3 days then the Mets can go get that better package. There’s no limit on how many times a guy can get dealt. Of course I don’t think that’s the case at all but your logic doesn’t really work there.
jbigz12
They aren’t going to flip Stroman for a better return in a year. He’s already pitching at what is basically his ceiling. Which isn’t a knock on him it’s just a statement. He’s pitching great. Unless they sign an extension w him there’s no way his value will go up. They may be able to get more for Thor without any competition on the market and the team could possibly be better off that way. If it can get prospects that will be ready for 2020 and they can extend Stroman. That’s going to be a tight rope to walk but BVW is going to walk it. We’ll see if it blows up or he hits a homerun.
steelerbravenation
You must not understand my stance. I think the Mets made a great deal. I think the blue jays are idiots. I thought I was clear on that but I must not be
its_happening
You were crystal clear. Not sure what that guy is trying to accomplish explain his logic to you.
jbigz12
Misread. Thought you said bad on both ends. My mistake
Show Me Your Tatis
I don’t think a Stroman extension is forthcoming.
nypost.com/2019/07/29/marcus-stromans-yankees-desi…
And yes jbigz. You are correct that the Mets will not get a better return in a year if they do try to flip Stroman at that point. To say otherwise is just as bad as the morons during the offseason who said that the Padres should trade for Realmuto with the sole intention of flipping him at the deadline.
Show Me Your Tatis
How are the Mets going to flip two months of Stroman for more than a year and two months of Stroman netted? It’s not like Stroman is in the middle of a down year or anything.
steelerbravenation
I think the smelts farm limits what the smarts can do as far as trades so BZW has to be creative to fill holes.
Trading for Stroman gives the Mets a local kid who is a legit number 2 and would have an incentive to resign long term.
Thor is more talented and has longer control. Considered more of a 1A than a 2 he has the ability to fill multiple holes if traded. He doesn’t seem interested in a long term extension. So you move him filling those holes.
Show Me Your Tatis
I don’t think a Stroman extension is forthcoming.
nypost.com/2019/07/29/marcus-stromans-yankees-desi…
Baseballholic
Bichette is up.
The Jays are younger, stronger … internally, and all idle Canadian kids, enjoying summer’s sunny freedom, will glue themselves to the season’s remaining Jays games to watch those young studs play. As will we old retired folks, the wisest and most experienced arm-chair managers, watch those young prospects fulfill their, and our, dreams.
Kyrie elaesion.
Rogers just got more wealthy, and now have possibly a more healthy baseball team, by the subtraction of one,
Kyrie elaeison.
Stroman is gone.
Back home to the Mets….who could keep him, or flip him, and probably will; can now trade him , w the other exJ, for more critically acclaimed prospects,. But prospects, nevertheless.
Kyrie elaesion.
The Jays are more wealthy, have three of baseball greatest prospects playing together on a major league diamond, to the almost overwhelming glee of both young and old, have added two solid arms to a minor league system, in need of arms, And with so much of summer remaining.
And Stroman is gone.
It’s not all RDF…(rain, drizzle, fog)…. in the forecast for Ta-on-augh, eh?
Deo gratias.
Theone23
Dude lay off the drugs. Rogers is WHACK. Jay’s have been going downhill ever since they decided for some inexplicable reason to not renew AA’s contact. They never cared about winning, only the bottom line. As a Jay’s fan, to hell with Rogers, to hell with Shapiro, and to hell with Atkins.
its_happening
Yep. People are calling for Rogers to fire Shapiro and Atkins. Rogers is the reason for this. They have owned the team since the end of the 2000 season. They have played a pivotal role in the franchise’s demise.
its_happening
After Saturday night the Blue Jays should have been calling the Yankees. Getting pounded 3 days in a row by Boston, a potential ALDS matchup, warranted a negotiation. Stroman has been effective his entire career against Boston.
The rumors surrounding the conflicts between the Jays and Anthopoulos is concerning; put the organization first. Your feelings do not matter.
Bocephus
Told you so Trish!!! Hahaha
slider32
Awful trade for the Jays, Baseball Trade Values has Stroman worth 28.1 while Kay 3.8 and Richardson at 7.1 that;s a third of what Stroman is worth.
stormie
Sorry, but that’s useless guesstimating of prospect value and not even very convincing at that.
baumrind973
It’s funny how we hear things like “the Blue Jays blew it”. There are some well thought-out responses to this article. Were any of us on the phone with the Blue Jays GM staff when the calls were coming in about Stroman? I doubt it. Let’s see how well these two do.
jim stem
Richardson is 18 and Kay is already 24 with less than two years of professional baseball. Stroman is under team control through next season, a proven mlb winner and has an American League era under 3.00. This is a steal for the Mets regardless of what happens with Wheeler, Syndergaard, Lugo or Vargas. Heck, the Mets could move one or both, restock the farm and shift Lugo to the rotation. Any team in ‘win now’ mode should be all over Wheeler and Syndergaard.
jb10000lakes
So, the Mets throw in a lowball offer doing due diligence and lo and behold, it gets accepted. That said, what keeps them from turning around and flipping him to someone else? They can ask for the moon, and if someone bites, cool; if not, you’ve got yourself a decent pitcher under control for another year. Value move. D’Angelo Russell to the GSW comes to mind.
kelticknotz
Marcus needs to learn something very important. You may not like what management is doing but your being paid to pitch so keep your mouth shut.
You did this to yourself, first you spoke up at spring training about the direction the team was being taken, then you created scenes on the mound and dugout when you were pulled from games, then last week there was the comment about a large market team with a small market attitude. Now last yearHapp, Donaldson and Pearce got traded to a contender, thid year it was Pillar and Martin, and you figured thats where you were headed. Only problem with that is as much as I don’t agree with what Shapiro and Atkins are doing with the team, they are trying hard to get the maximum in return for players they trade, in this case they need controllable pitching and unfortunately for you Mets offered the most, that and Shapiro and Atkins slapped you down on the way out the door.
Dutch Vander Linde
Pitcher should only be allowed to wear double digit numbers. imo