Mets Have Pretty Good Trading Deadline

Before the season began, I thought the Mets had a decent shot to get a wild card spot. I thought the pitching was okay and the line-up pretty good.

The pitching had problems as the season began, including injuries and the remaining starters struggling. The Mets then went into a nosedive. People figured they had little chance of making the playoffs.

The Mets then had a renaissance and now would qualify for a wild card spot. Multiple teams are competing for three spots. The Mets should have as good a chance as one or more of them to make it.  

What were their needs? They needed a bat with DJ Stewart not doing it and Starling Marte out with an injury. They got a bat (Winker), someone who has given them trouble in the past. They need bullpen arms. They got some, including a Marlins reliever who has pitched them tough.  Multiple arms will be available next season too. And, they did not have to give up much.

The one complaint would be that they did not get the good starting pitcher that would help seal the deal, especially after Senga got hurt again (out for the season) in the very first game back. Severino might have innings issues. The back two arms now are a bit sketchy though Peterson has pitched well lately, minus his last outing. The other two often go around five.

Paul Blackburn is not that exciting starting piece. One analyst compared him to Houser, who was recently DFA'ed after his run of good relief outings petered out. Blackburn is a serviceable back-end starter. He provides the team with depth and allows them to keep Butto in the pen. 

I don't expect the Mets to go all out like the Dodgers to get an elite starter. I'm somewhat annoyed the Cardinals (competing for a wild card spot) got a good one. Nonetheless, one good starter won't guarantee the Mets going far. It makes sense not to risk prospects for immediate gratification.  

I am somewhat disappointed that they did not get a better starter. Overall, it's a respectable haul. When one of their elite relievers comes off the IL, Butto might still get starts if the other bullpen arms are trustworthy. 

This team has a good shot at the playoffs. It will be disappointing if they don't make it. They have a good core that should be good for several years. 

Senga still will be here for years and there are multiple potential young arms. 2024 was supposed to be a building year with still a decent team on the field. It surely is that at the very least. 

The moves helped the team without being stupid. Positive grade.  

ETA: Andy Martino in a Mets podcast argued that there was a reasonable case for the team to be sellers, especially given how much starters got teams in return. So, the GM not doing so is notable in itself. 

Valid argument. Senga's injury did make it harder to think about letting go of one of the few steady starters available. Instead, they signed a starter, if not the top-of-the-rotation type people hoped for.