5 Mets players David Stearns would have traded if the team was punting in 2024

2) Brooks Raley

The Mets could have masterfully turned Brooks Raley into a decent trade chip. Coming off of a successful 2023 season, the affordable lefty reliever had an option for the 2024 season they were wise to pick up. However, in the early stages of the offseason, there was some thought the purpose was to simply swap him for some minor league talent.

We’ve made it this far. We’ve seen the Mets operate and make other moves around keeping Raley to indicate this just won’t happen. When you have a high-priced closer, you don’t ask fringe MLB players to work the innings before him. You hold onto Raley and see where it gets you.

Raley is one of the better trade chips the Mets could potentially have at the deadline this summer if things fall apart. Sometimes forgotten because we only had one year of him, he’s a sure bet to get dealt if the worst of the Mets show up in the regular season.

Because the Mets just aren’t punting, Raley is staying in blue and orange.