MLB
Trade Rumors Begin to Buzz Around Noah Syndergaard
One of the biggest debates this offseason has been surrounding Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard. Should the Mets make a deal and trade their young starter? The answer is more complicated then the typical fan might think. Mets fans would expect a massive return for Thor; though most fans would hate to see him traded at all. Syndergaard finished the 2018 season with a record of 13-4 and an ERA of 3.03. He also had 155 strikeouts in 154 1/3 innings pitched. After a great year, it doesn’t seem likely that the Mets would want to/should trade him. However, the Padres have emerged as the top candidate to try and land Thor. Though a deal is not expected to be made, the rumors continue to buzz at to what it would cost for Syndergaard to be dealt.
What Would it Take for Thor?
With the Padres acting as the top candidate for Syndergaard, fans can’t help but wonder what type of return Thor would bring. The Mets are trying to build their team around their young and dominant starting pitching. To give up one of their best would cost a hefty amount from the Padres. Obviously, the Mets are going to be looking at the Padres farm system. Two big-name prospects that the Mets would want include shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and catcher/outfielder Francisco Mejia.
Tatis has yet to make his Major League debut, however, he is the top prospect in the Padres system and is second in all of baseball. The young shortstop would be an interesting addition for the Mets. With Rosario at short and Jeff McNeil sealing up second base, it would be a cluster for Mickey Callaway to find a place for Tatis. If Callaway were to test Tatis’s range at third, the Mets could potentially have an infield on Peter Alonso, McNeil, Rosario, and Tatis. All four guys are young players with loads of talent. Like the Mets with Thor, it doesn’t seem likely the Padres would want to part with Tatis; a potential “face of the franchise” player.
Francisco Mejia made his Major League debut in 2018. After being drafted by the Cleveland Indians, Mejia was sent to San Diego with Adam Cimber in exchange for Brad Hand. Mejia is the third-ranked prospect in the Padres system and is 26 in all of baseball. As he’ll head into his first full season with the Padres, Mejia can play both catcher and the outfield. Catcher is one area the Mets lack a consistent player. Mejia could potentially provide that to a generally weak position for the Mets. Though he did not provide as much as expected, Mejia is still adjusting to the Majors and could provide a great asset to the Mets.
Is the Move Likely For Either Team?
Though a trade between the Mets and Padres is not expected to happen, it is interesting to see what the Mets would want for Syndergaard. The Mets, as expected, would want a huge return for the future of their franchise. If the Padres wish to still pursue Thor, they are going to have to give up the potential future of their franchise to get the ace they so desperately need.
Photo Credit to Dave via Flickr
