Mets: Analyzing trade value and potential returns

ADDISON REED

Say hello to perhaps the most valuable commodity the Mets have. Addison Reed was gold for the Mets since coming over in a trade from Arizona two years ago. This season, Reed has been in the closer’s role for the majority of the time with Jeurys Familia suspended and later injured.

Reed has put up career bests as a Met. In 134 career appearances, Reed has pitched to a 2.12 ERA. He would be a significant piece in the back end of any bullpen. His prime has synchronized with his time with the Mets. And he is the youngest (28) of all Mets with a deal that expires after this season.

The improvements are very impressive. His WHIP is 1.01 in New York. Contrast that with a 1.23 mark with the White Sox and a 1.24 with Arizona. In both of his prior career stops, Reed pitched at least 100 games so there was a similar sample to draw from. Reed is also allowing 7.5 hits and 1.6 walks per nine innings. Reed could pitch himself into a fairly lucrative contract in the off-season.

The asking price may depend on who is calling. The contender with the biggest need for a closer happens to be in the Mets’ division (Washington). A couple of other teams who could use a high leverage reliever are in the AL West.

I could see Texas or even Seattle jumping into the mix to grab the services of Reed for at least half a season. The Rangers’ late game plans got thrown out of order when Sam Dyson fell off the map. Seattle has 12 blown saves as a team and a bullpen ERA of 4.44, which is 19^th in the Majors. Other teams could use a high leverage reliever, but those two are at the top of the list. Another team to possibly look out for could be Colorado.

Depending on what team Reed goes to, that could affect the package the Mets receive in return. This is harder to predict because the market will be larger in volume for Reed. Another option would be to pair Reed with a younger player with team control (example: Brandon Nimmo)  to up the return value.