3 former NY Mets players who’d be a trade match if things didn’t end poorly in Queens

Multiple former New York Mets players are expected to get traded in the next two weeks. Jacob deGrom, despite the fans’ best wishes, probably won’t be one of them. 

Others on much more affordable contracts, expiring or otherwise, are more realistic to swap uniforms. If things hadn’t ended poorly during the stints these three ex-Mets had, they’d probably be realistic targets to acquire before the July 31 trade deadline.

1) Adrian Houser

Adrian Houser is doing the kinds of things David Stearns dreamed he could for the 2024 Mets. The numbers have been beyond the wildest dreams of the Chicago White Sox. He’s 5-2 with a 1.56 ERA in 9 starts. His 2.9 WAR this year accounts for more than half of his career total of 5.6 WAR.

Has he figured it all out? Is it a mirage of some sort? Whatever it is, Houser is a trade deadline candidate worth a gamble. If the Mets hadn’t seen him combust last year, he’d be on the radar.

Houser’s time with the Mets ended prematurely in 2024. After 7 starts and another 16 relief appearances, they bid farewell. He pitched to a 5.84 ERA and didn’t make it back to the majors with another team last season.

Stearns’ familiarity with Houser helped draw him to Queens. The team had a need in the back of the rotation. Yet again, this could be something they try targeting at the trade deadline. Houser’s experience as a starter and reliever would make him a fit on paper. But because of how poorly he pitched last year, it’s not the same sort of match. How often does a team cut a player and trade for him a year later?