3 trades for a former NY Mets player feeling more viable than a Jacob deGrom reunion

3) Dennis Santana

Maybe the most reasonable of the three to end up back with the Mets is reliever Dennis Santana. It'd be the least exciting reunion considering he pitched in just 9 games for the 2023 Mets. The well-traveled righty hurler is having an unprecedented campaign one year after appearing to put it all together with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Through 38 innings, Santana has a magnificent 1.42 ERA.

Is it all a mirage? Considering he had a 2.44 ERA in 44.1 frames for the Pirates last year, one might start to believe someone taught him a valuable lesson to tap into whatever’s working so well.

A ground ball pitcher for much of his career, he seems to fit the mold well in that regard for what the Mets like from their pitchers. He doesn’t have fantastic strikeout numbers or anything. Relying on his slider for a good majority of his pitches, Santana has become an intriguing trade candidate because of how dominant it has been. In 72 plate appearances, batters are hitting only .132 against his most-used pitch with a 33.8% whiff rate.

At only 29-years-old, it’s quite possible Santana has entered a new phase of his own personal cinematic universe.

Why it won’t happen

The Mets seem to care (at least to some length) about their public image and a suspension due to an altercation with a fan only a few weeks ago. Ignoring that, he’ll have enough other suitors. He is controlled for another year and might cause a stir of someone overpaying by paying high.

The Mets need at least two bullpen arms added to the mix at the deadline. Santana is having a superb year but there is probably a better match.