Should the Mets take a chance trading for one of the fallen Rockies relievers?

Bryan Shaw

Bryan Shaw’s contract is similar to McGee’s at $9 million for 2020 and an equal team option for 2021. There are also some goals he must reach in order to have the contract guarantee for the final year.

Shaw isn’t a super stranger to Mets fans. During the Mickey Callaway era, he was a name I often saw appear as an option for the team because of their work together with the Cleveland Indians. Understandably so. Shaw was a key part of the Indians’ success from 2013-2017.

While in Colorado, Shaw has tossed 126.2 innings and delivered a 5.61 ERA. In 2018, it was at 5.93. This most recent year he managed to lower it down to a still horrifying 5.38.

Callaway is no longer in Queens so I’m not so sure how many people are still on board with this idea. There’s no reunion to make. Shaw is now just another reliever in his 30s making more money than he would in the open market.

Shaw has always walked more batters than he probably should and has never been a superior strikeout pitcher. He excels at being availability. Three times in his career, Shaw led the league in games pitched.

Oddly, Shaw’s numbers were better at home next year. At Coors Field, he had a 4.20 ERA in 2019. On the road, it was at 6.89 for the year. Taking this into consideration, I’m curious if Shaw is just a sinking ship no matter where he’s pitching.

With all three of these pitchers, I think the most important consideration is how much the Mets end up paying of the contract. Each has succeeded in the past and may have another good year in store for the future.

Even in a non-salary swap deal where the Mets may send Lowrie to Colorado for one of them could work. New York just needs to allow room to add more to the roster this winter if there are other opportunities.

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These three men—McGee and Shaw specifically—are risks to consider taking. But to take that risk, Brodie Van Wagenen needs to make sure the Mets have a parachute handy.