NY Mets: 3 Cubs trade candidates to consider pursuing

Kyle Hendricks

While the Mets could certainly use another hitter to bolster their lineup, in my opinion, the team’s most pressing need to focus on this deadline is a starting pitcher, and the Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks would certainly fit the bill to sure up the team’s rotation.

While the Mets have a great 1-2-3 at the top of their rotation in the form of Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, and Taijuan Walker, the back end is in desperate need of help at the moment.

The Mets have been without starting pitchers Noah Syndergaard and Carlos Carrasco for the entirety of the 2021 season as the two are recovering from injuries. The Mets are optimistic they could join the team in either August or September, but are no guarantees if they do that they will perform effectively after missing so much time away.

With David Peterson struggling in many of his starts and now on the injured list, as well as Joey Lucchesi out for the rest of the year after undergoing Tommy John Surgery, the team could surely use a steady hand in the rotation to get through the final months of the season.

If the Cubs are open to it, then Kyle Hendricks should certainly be a part of any of the Mets’ potential trade negotiations with them.

An 8-year veteran, Kyle has spent his entire career in Chicago, posting a career average ERA of 3.18. Through the 2021 season, Hendricks has made 18 starts for the Cubs, posting a respectable 3.77 ERA over 105.0 innings, notching a 11-4 record in the process.

He also has significant experience in the post season, having pitched in 12 games (11 starts) over 5 different trips to the playoffs with Chicago, logging a 3.12 ERA.

Unlike Bryant, Hendricks has a few years left on his deal at a very reasonable salary. He is signed through the 2023 season at a rate of $14 million per year, with a $16 million vesting option for 2024 or a $1.5 buyout.

Considering both Marcus Stroman and Noah Syndergaard will be free agents following the season, its an added bonus to trade for someone we can retain for the next few seasons as well.

However, since Hendricks is still under contract for 2 more years after this season, the Cubs may end up being less willing to trade him than Bryant.

It may cost the Mets a bit more to get him than other players on the trade block, but Hendricks could end up being one of New York’s best trade options, and one well worth considering.