New York Mets: It makes sense to shop Seth Lugo while his trade value is high

Seth Lugo has pitched better than he ever has before. The New York Mets should at least see what teams would offer them in a trade for the talented righty.

A few weeks ago, I suggested the New York Mets buy at the trade deadline regardless of their position in the standings. Like a fool, I thought at worst they would be at .500.

We’re now more than halfway through June and this team is one of the worst in the National League. They are clear sellers and I’m willing to deal anyone with value. This would include one of the season’s pleasant surprises, Seth Lugo.

I hate the idea of trading Lugo because it means the Mets surrender one of the few good bullpen arms they have. Along with Robert Gsellman and Jeurys Familia, Lugo is one of the relievers on this roster who can get outs.

However, Lugo may be far more valuable to the Mets if they trade him now while he’s hot.

Lugo pitched almost exclusively as a starter in 2017. In the 18 starts and a single relief appearance, he went 7-5 with a 4.71 ERA. These numbers were a major dip from the 2.67 ERA posted in 64 innings one year prior while working as a starter and reliever.

In 2018, we’ve seen a new version of Lugo. Not only is he keeping runs off the board, he’s also striking out batters more regularly and not throwing ball four.

The Mets have used Lugo as a starter when needed. His value on the trade market would be in a bullpen role. His ability to pitch multiple innings should surely tempt contenders into adding his arm for a playoff run.

The major downside with trading Lugo is clear. The Mets need bullpen arms and sending him elsewhere means they have a hole to fill next season. This organization needs to concentrate on the short-term and what makes them better in 2019. Keeping Lugo certainly would.

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Although, it wouldn’t hurt to see what teams might offer for Lugo. He’ll turn 29 in November, suggesting this could be the time to trade him. Who wouldn’t want his mighty arm in their relief corps?

After seeing how effective he has been as a starter this year as well, some may even consider him for a rotation spot.

The Mets wouldn’t land a major haul for Lugo. I do think a top 100 prospect is possible. Though he’s approaching 30, Lugo is controllable and talented.

Players ranked by MLB.com between 50-100 are worth looking at. If they play a position where the MLB team has a younger player blocking them, we may find specific names. Teams do overpay at the trade deadline. This year, Lugo is one man someone in contention could overspend on.

One example of where the Mets could find a desperate team is in Denver. One of the best Colorado Rockies prospects is a third baseman named Colton Welker. At the number 92 prospect in baseball, it could make sense for the Rockies to give him up for some relief help because of Nolan Arenado‘s presence.

I’m not saying Welker is a guy I believe the Rockies would deal for Welker. He’s merely a sample.

Unlike last season, the Mets don’t have much to trade. Familia and Asdrubal Cabrera are the most obvious candidates as each is on an expiring contract.

Everyone else is fair game.

Next: Let's redo the Mets 2017-2018 offseason

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If they’re willing to listen on Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard trade offers, the Mets need to do the same for Lugo.