Struggling NY Mets trade target is playing his way out of one role and into another

When we think of who the New York Mets will acquire or won’t at the trade deadline, it’s important to always harken back to who they were rumored to have interest in during the offseason. Ryne Stanek was long thought of as a potential Mets free agent signing. When the time came to add at the 2024 trade deadline, they willingly brought him in from the Seattle Mariners with a July swap.

The same scenario could present itself with Mike Soroka. A name Mets fans remember best from his early days dominating with the Atlanta Braves, we familiarized ourselves with him again when his name was brought up over the weekend by Jonah Tong. Apparently, it’s Soroka whom Tong idolized most growing up.

Soroka is an interesting trade target. Slumping through recent starts, he now has a 5.35 ERA on the season with the Washington Nationals. He signed for just one year at $9 million and for a Nationals team headed nowhere, he’ll get dealt. What’s special about this is he’ll probably reverse roles.

Mike Soroka is proving he is a below average starter, but the Mets could use him in relief

Soroka had a bit of an awakening last year with the Chicago White Sox. He made 9 starts, went 0-5, and pitched to a 6.39 ERA. Even that historically bad team couldn’t resist demoting him into the bullpen where he became an excellent addition.

In 36 innings across 16 appearances, Soroka had a 2.75 ERA with a tremendous 15 K/9 rate. He did exactly what one would think a converted starter would out of the bullpen. Rather than get cozy in the role, his goal was to work his way back into being a starter again. The ever-patient Nationals were willing to give it a try without much success.

Landing with the Mets wouldn’t necessarily have to eliminate Soroka from starting again in 2025. Given their need for a sixth starter on a regular basis, he could slot in as an option every once in a while. Consider him starting pitching depth in doubleheaders or during a long stretch with no days off.

The Mets are in clear need of bullpen help with a growing debate about how badly they need another starter. Currently five healthy arms plus prospects knocking on the door, Soroka can help satisfy both parts to some extent.