New York Mets: Is a blockbuster trade with the Reds sensible?

The New York Mets have the opportunity to swing a potential blockbuster deal with the Cinncinatti Reds for starting pitcher Sonny Gray and third baseman Eugenio Suarez this winter. There are certainly pros and cons to this potential deal, but it’s an interesting proposition considering a trade between both clubs could fill two needs the Mets currently are scouring the market for. Those needs being starting pitching depth and a possible upgrade at third base.

While there is no certainty on what the organization would have to give up in a trade back with the Reds, you would have to believe that at least one of the Mets top prospects would have to be included in this deal as the Reds would be essentially be giving up two of their best players.

On the Major League roster a player such as J.D. Davis could be moved in a potential deal. It’s also worth pointing out that the Reds traded closer Raisel Iglesias earlier this offseason to the Los Angeles Angels, which may make Jeurys Familia of player of interest to the Reds as well due to having a potential need in the bullpen as well as having no financial commitment to Familia after 2021.

The 29-year old Suarez has established himself as one of the top offensive third basemen in baseball and is cheaply under contract after signing a 7-year $66 million contract back in through 2024 with a club option for 2025. The Mets would be responsible for about 43.5 million remaining on the Suarez deal, which could be considered a bargain with his offensive production.

Despite the low .202 average last season Suarez still slugged 15 home runs with 38 RBI’s in 57 games and had one of the highest walk rates of his career as he had a walk percentage of 13%. Make no mistake about it, Suarez is still a dangerous hitter who is one year removed from belting 49 home runs and driving in 103 RBI’s, which was his second consecutive season in a row with over 100 RBI’s.

The organization would also be receiving another frontline starting pitcher in Sonny Gray who has revitalized his career in Cincinnati. The Mets would have the opportunity of adding the 31-year old Gray to a starting rotation that includes Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Marcus Stroman, and David Peterson. I haven’t even mentioned the return of Noah Syndergaard at some point next summer as well.

The Mets would also have Gray under contract through 2022 with a 2023 team option. Gray’s contract is equally affordable for the Mets as he is only owed around $20 million total for the remainder of his deal. Over the last two seasons in Cinncinatti, Gray has pitched to a combined 3.07 ERA over 42 starts while whiffing 277 batters in 231.1 innings pitched. It’s been truly been a revelation for Gray the last two seasons after he had his fair share of struggles with the New York Yankees.

A potential New York Mets blockbuster deal with the Cinncinatti Reds has many fans debating how much sense it makes from the Mets standpoint.

So now to analyze this latest Mets hot topic making its waves across the internet. Does this trade make sense for our beloved franchise for both the present and future?

On the surface, it certainly does as the Mets would be receiving two players in the middle of their prime who are both inexpensively under team control and fill needs for not only 2021 but for the seasons beyond. However, it’s also important to note that the practicality of this trade becoming a great move from the Mets standpoint ultimately depends on what the front office has to give up to acquire both players.

The Mets front office has put a premium on rebuilding the organization’s depleted farm system, which especially lacks pitching prospects who can make an immediate impact within the next season or two. As previously stated we don’t necessarily know the framework of what has been discussed between both organizations, but the Mets should not make their barren cupboard all the barer by dipping further into their remaining pool of high-end prospects.

It’s also a bit of a gamble to bring Sonny Gray back to New York after his high profile struggles with the Yankees. Then again time heals all wounds and Gray’s mindset could be totally different should he make an encore appearance in New York City.

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The potential Mets rumors involving both of these players should be closely monitored moving forward due to the fact both players could provide an upgrade in areas where the front office is currently shopping. But the mystery of what the potential ask could be from the Reds front office makes any judgment on this latest speculation groundless. It’s a sensible move but at what cost?