Mets: Buyer beware, Steven Matz may get rocked in the wrong ballpark

According to multiple reports, Steven Matz is on the New York Mets trade block. Buyer beware, he could blow up in the wrong situation.

Steven Matz is one of the latest New York Mets rumored to have a spot on the team’s trade block. The 27-year-old lefty is pitching in his fourth big league season in what has been a rather incomplete career.

Matz certainly carries some value. He’s pitching well in 2018 and throws with his left hand. In a slim market for pitchers at this year’s trade deadline, someone could view him as a big helper.

To those looking to buy Matz, it’s worth looking at his weaknesses. Specifically, it’s how frequently he gives up home runs.

Plenty of good pitchers have welcomed the home run ball. Max Scherzer is one of the best in baseball but has a track-record of giving up four-base hits regularly.

Matz isn’t close to Scherzer’s level. He cannot escape those round-trippers as well as the three-time Cy Young winner playing in D.C. Because of this, he’s flirting with danger each start.

In each of his four big league seasons, Matz has averaged at least a home run per nine. This year’s total is already at 1.4 per nine. Through 16 starts, he’s only one home run away from tying his career-high set in 2016.

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Additionally, we’ve seen a wilder Matz this year. He’s walking more batters than ever before. Already, he has set a new for his career. The same is true of his hit by pitch total as well.

Sure, Matz’s ERA looks nice and his strikeout totals are solid. Disgusted in the productive season is a 4.71 FIP which suggests he has escaped from danger more than we realize.

Perhaps most alarming, 11 of the 13 home runs Matz has given up were at Citi Field. Typically a pitcher’s park, Matz has been bad at home this season. He’s just 1-3 with a 4.57 ERA. On the road, he’s 3-2 with a 2.25 ERA.

I’m not sure what to make of this. Every game this season where he has given up more than a single home run took place at home.

Is this bad luck or is Matz bound to get rocked if he joins a team in a bandbox?

For as good as several of his overall numbers look, this year has not been an excellent one for Matz. Only because others have looked so bad are we willing to overlook his obvious blemishes.

Regardless of this, I don’t want to see the Mets trade him this summer. The fact that they can control him for several more years makes him a guy I want them to build with even if he has some kinks to work out.

Next: Possible Zack Wheeler trade destinations

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Let’s hope those looking to buy Matz never get a chance because he stays in New York.