MLB insider's proposed NY Mets trade includes a once high-profile prospect

It's no secret that the New York Mets bullpen has been overextended, basically due to the inability of their starting pitchers to go more than 5 or 6 innings on most nights. Former MLB executive Jim Bowden of The Athletic has proposed a trade between the New York Mets and the Colorado Rockies that could provide some much-needed late inning relief to the Mets overused bullpen. But, at the cost of a former top prospect? It's time to look into our crystal ball and see the future. In Bowden’s trade, the Mets would acquire RHP Jake Bird and RHP Seth Halvorsen from Rockies for two minor league prospects: OF Drew Gilbert and C/INF/OF Chris Suero.

Former blue chip prospect now made available

The center piece of this proposed trade is former top prospect Drew Gilbert. Gilbert was traded along with Ryan Clifford to the Mets for pitcher Justin Verlander in 2023. The Mets agreed to pay the majority of Verlander's contract in order to secure Gilbert, the Astros first round selection and the 28th overall pick in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft and at that time the Astros #3 prospect. However, he has not been able to duplicate his AA success at the AAA level. Gilbert, at that time the Mets #2 prospect, hit only ,215 in 2024. So far in 2025, Gilbert is hitting only .230 at Syracuse.

In addition, the Rockies would get Chris Suero, an offensive catcher who can also play first base and left field. The 21-year-old was signed by the Mets in 2022 as a minor league free agent. He has demonstrated some power in his short career, most recently at class A+ level Brooklyn.

Rockies need to trade pitching for position players

The Rockies have demonstrated a depth in their pitching staff while also having a glaring need for quality position players. In this proposal, the Mets would land two of the Rockies’ best relievers, Jake Bird and Seth Halvorsen. Bird has had the better season statistically, with an ERA of 2.06 in 33 appearances and has averaged 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings this year. Halvorsen has has a bit more of an upside and might develop into an impact closer in time and with the help of pitching coach Jeremy Heffner and the Mets’ pitching analytics.

The Rockies are willing to trade Halvorsen, presently their closer with a team leading six saves, and a middle innings reliever in Bird. In return, they get a future everyday outfielder in Drew Gilbert. He is projected to have between 15 to 20 HR power and has the speed to be a top of the order table setter. He can play all three outfield positions and has a gun for an arm. Bird is 29 years old and is under team control through 2028. Halvorsen, younger at 25, is under team control through 2030.

The verdict: Is this the best the Mets can do?

The question is, should the Mets trade away a player who only a season ago was considered to be a blue chip prospect? In a word: Yes. The Mets outfield in crowded. With Soto in RF, Nimmo in LF, and prospects like Jett Williams knocking on the door, waiting for Gilbert to develop is a luxury they don't have. Could the Mets do better than the Rockies closer and young prospect? Not likely.

Keep in mind that Gilbert's value has been trending down. I'd make this trade before it's taken off the table. As Branch Rickey once said that it's better to trade a player a year to early than a year too late. Truer words were never spoken. These pitchers are not rentals. They could be here for some time. This is a good deal. A fair deal. It would be a simple case of the Mets trading from strength to help solve a weakness, and the sooner the better. Do it!

The Mets are going to do battle all season long with the Phillies for the National East crown. It’s too early to believe that the Braves couldn’t still creep back into contention this season as well. The team at some point may have to consider their likelihood of securing a NL wild-card spot. None of these things seem very likely unless the Mets can improve their bullpen depth. Adding these two young arms to the pitching staff could go a long way to help them solve this problem.