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

It’s a subject we don’t want to talk about: rebuilding. If the New York Mets do decide to undertake one soon, this is what it may look like.

Recently, I wrote about why the New York Mets should seriously considering a long-term rebuild. While the ability of the current roster to contend can be debated, I thought it would be interesting to consider what the blueprint to a proper rebuild might look like.

Just to be clear, I do not expect that a Mets’ rebuild would entail trading all the players listed below. The purpose of this article is to speculate where these pieces would fit if the team elected to move them.

The Youth Movement

Pete Alonso

While the 24-year-old is a bit older than some may realize, Alonso is an ideal candidate to remain with the team through a total rebuild. His presence on the roster has provided players and fans with an immediate jolt of excitement. Look for the power-hitting first baseman to remain in orange and blue for the foreseeable future.

Andres Gimenez

As the top prospect in the Mets’ minor league system, Gimenez figures to be the future at the SS (or another infield position if the team keeps Rosario). Expect him to remain with the Mets.

The Rest of the Farm System

The state of the Mets’ farm system is also worth considering. While they are generally considered to have a below average minor league system, they do have some notable names. The aforementioned Andres Gimenez should be a big part of the future at either shortstop or second base. The team has another good SS prospect in Ronny Mauricio. MLB’s rankings also show Mark Vientos as a top-three prospect and a possible long-term third baseman.

Additionally, the Mets have three interesting pitching prospects in David Peterson, Anthony Kay, and Simeon Woods-Richardson. For a team with a great track record for developing young pitchers, these three prospects could be the future of the major league rotation.

While the Mets farm system has a lot of room for improvement, they are certainly not void of talent. If the team were to sell some of their current players to bolster this group of prospects, they would be in prime position to compete in the 2020s.

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.

Veterans (with value to the right team)

Robinson Cano
The Destination: New York Yankees

After his heroics in his first game as a Met led the team to an Opening Day win, the Cano experiment seemed like a great decision. However, just a few months into the season, it seems as though the acquisition was a mistake. Cano has been publicly criticized for loafing on the base paths, and his bat has cooled off significantly.

The question is, will any team even consider taking Cano’s massive contract? One interesting destination would be a trade to the rival Yankees. The Mets would likely have to cover a large portion of his remaining deal, but a move across town would allow Cano to reunite with the team became a star with. He could also provide valuable depth for a Yankees’ infield that has been decimated by injuries this season.

Wilson Ramos
The Destination: Pittsburg Pirates

In all fairness, Ramos is the best catcher the Mets have had in several years. However, his first season in NYC has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. He has provided solid contributions with his bat but has struggled to develop chemistry with some of the starting pitching staff.

A team like the Pirates could certainly use a boost at the catcher position. Current starter Francisco Cervelli is injury-prone and not having a terrific season. hitting an abysmal. Either a platoon or replacement with Ramos in place would upgrade their backstop position.

Juan Lagares
The Destination: Anyone who needs a fourth outfielder

At this point in his career, everyone in MLB knows exactly what Lagares is as a baseball player. His defense in centerfield is elite and shows no signs of slowing down. However, he is clearly a liability as a hitter. His best role would be as a fourth outfielder and defensive sub for a playoff contender.

Todd Frazier
The Destination: Anyone who will take him!

The destination description may seem harsh, but there likely won’t be a large market for Frazier. The veteran infielder is nearing his mid-30s and he holds a two-year, $17 million contract that runs through the end of 2019. That price tag may be too much for a team to pay for his leadership and streaky power bat.

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Which current Mets do you think should be protected in the event of a total rebuild? Where would you like to see come of your favorite Mets players go?