5 musts for the Mets to score an A+ at this year's trade deadline

3) The Mets must hold onto their MLB starting pitcher depth

It’s still boggling that the Mets will consider trading away a starting pitcher when they could really use every able-bodied pitcher they can get. Their depth in the minor leagues isn’t spectacular. Upon the return of Kodai Senga, the team will need the addition of a sixth starter on a regular basis which should have David Peterson in the mix often. Let’s not forget Christian Scott’s innings limit that will have him out of the rotation at some point.

If the Mets can improve the bullpen and not sell off any of their best prospects and not subtract from the starting rotation, they’re well on their way to scoring an A+ grade at the trade deadline.

We should hear plenty more rumors and mock trade proposals involving Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, or Jose Quintana going to a contender for bullpen help. As fun as those trades can be to come up with, they’re equally as aggravating. There will be nothing the Mets can do after the trade deadline other than find a deity to pray to.

The Mets can, of course, come away with a ransom for one of their starters and look good after the trade deadline dust settles. The growing fear of what they’d do once someone goes down with an injury will quickly erase those good feelings. Do we really believe the team could get all that much for any of their three rentals?