Re-grading all 7 NY Mets trade deadline moves from last year

Jesse Winker - First Grade B, New Grade B+

You know, Jesse Winker kind of followed the same pattern as Stanek. He wasn’t good enough in the regular season. In the playoffs, he reminded the Mets exactly why they acquired him in the first place.

The Winker reunion has been held back from assessing because of injury. The original trade, however, has plenty to dissect. He was clutch in August then disappeared in September. Stunningly, his performance in the NLCS might’ve been the best even if his two most memorable moments came in the NLWC and NLDS. Who can forget his helmet smash and the dinger against the Philadelphia Phillies?

Winker batted .385 with 5 walks and 3 strikeouts against the Dodgers. He was on base constantly, finishing the series with a .579 OBP.

To acquire Winker, the Mets sent pitching prospect Tyler Stuart to the Washington Nationals. Stuart had a big year in the minors for the Mets in 2023 and a more sustainable one in 2024. He’d make his way to Triple-A for a few sips of coffee in 2024. In 2025, he has logged only 35.2 innings due to injury.

This trade, like any, has an opportunity to come back and look ugly for the Mets. At the moment, we upgrade the Winker trade slightly. Stuart has too far to climb. Winker did his part when needed in the most important moments.