2 recent NY Mets trade deadline strategies to repeat, 2 to avoid at all costs

It’s not the trade deadline season yet in MLB and yet the significant date on the calendar remains as relevant as ever even in May. This year’s MLB trade deadline falls on July 31st at 6:00pm which means a whole week of close speculation about what the New York Mets will do and a whole weekend after to overreact.

In recent years, the Mets have had more people at the helm calling the shots at the trade deadline than they’d like to admit. A variety of strategies deployed over the years by each person to sit in the GM chair.

When it comes to writing up the blueprints, there are two strategies the Mets should repeat and another pair to avoid at all costs.

Repeat this: Trade for pitchers with minor league options and years of control

The Huascar Brazoban trade didn’t work out well for the Mets in 2024. No big deal. They were able to send him to the minor leagues and with several years of control left for the late-blooming reliever, they’re able to capitalize on his talents this season and probably beyond.

Along with Brazoban, the Mets picked up Tyler Zuber in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Someone we’ve yet to see crack the big league roster in Flushing, we can at least credit them with trying something a little more unique. Zuber hasn’t harmed them.

It doesn’t matter how stable your bullpen may be, trading for a relief pitcher is practically a must for all teams seeking a playoff berth. There’s going to be one hole at minimum for most ball clubs. The season-ending injuries to A.J. Minter and to a lesser extent Danny Young have us all imagining the club going on the prowl for a lefty to stick in the bullpen.

The thinking should go beyond relief pitchers. If the need for a starter should arise, consider someone who can be depth much like Trevor Williams was in 2021—just don’t repeat this mistake that made the trade for him one of the most discussed within Mets circles.