What a Mets rebuild in the near future could potentially look like

The High-Value Pitchers

Jacob deGrom
The Destination: Milwaukee Brewers

Just a few months ago, it seemed as though deGrom and the Mets were positioned for a long-term marriage. Both sides reached a five-year, $137.5 million contract that was designed to keep the ace in Queens for the foreseeable future.

However, If the Mets continue to struggle, deGrom would likely be one of the first players shopped in a rebuild situation. His undeniably elite talent would be appealing to nearly every team in MLB.

One team, in particular, the Milwaukee Brewers have the makeup of a potential world champion. Their one weakness is their lack of a top-of-the-line starter. This issue would immediately be remedied by adding the 2018 Cy Young winner to the staff.

Noah Syndergaard
The Destination: New York Yankees

Would the Mets’ actually entertain the idea of trading Noah Syndergaard? The 26-year-old flamethrower is young enough to survive a rebuild and still be in his prime two to three years down the road. However, if the Mets were seriously interested in a full rebuild that would reset their timeline, Thor would certainly fetch a great return.

Fans and various media outlets have been speculating about a potential Syndergaard to the Yankees’ trade for months. Thor could potentially be traded for one of the Yankees’ elite young infielders.

Zack Wheeler
The Destination: Los Angeles Angels

If the Mets skid continues, Wheeler will almost certainly be placed on the trading block. His raw potential will likely draw the eye of several teams looking to boost their rotation for a postseason run. Wheeler was one of the best pitchers in baseball over the second half of 2018 and has also shown great ability in several starts this season.

A logical destination for Wheeler would be joining (or possibly replacing) former Mets’ pitcher Matt Harvey as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels, who are looking to a postseason berth after locking up their MVP Mike Trout this offseason would be much improved by adding another legitimate pitcher to their starting staff.

Of course, with Wheeler’s pending free agency after 2019, a deal would need to happen this summer.

Steven Matz
The Destination: Oakland Athletics

The 27-year-old lefty would be a valuable addition to any rotation in baseball. When he has his best stuff, Matz is capable of shutting down any lineup in baseball. While he can be a bit streaky, his overall talent is undeniable. He also proved he can pitch well in big games during the Mets 2015 World Series run (He allowed only six runs over three postseason starts that year).

Matz could very well become the A’s best pitching option if he were acquired by Oakland at the trade deadline.

Edwin Diaz:
The Destination: Boston Red Sox

Trading Edwin Diaz would require a return comparable to that of Jacob deGrom. He is one of the game’s best closers on a team friendly contract. Perhaps even more important is the fact that Diaz is still only 25 years only. The All-Star closer could survive a rebuild and still be in his prime.

However, if a team like the Boston Red Sox or the Atlanta Braves (although a trade to a division rival would be highly unlikely) were willing to part with some of their top prospects to fix their desperate need at closer, the Mets would be wise to listen.