1 Mets trade worth exploring with the Braves, Marlins, and Phillies if they go into sell mode

NY Mets trade offer to the Phillies: Carlos Carrasco and David Robertson for Griff McGarry, Jordan Viars, and Orion Kerkering

Our final trade brings us down I-95 to Philadelphia where the Mets offer up starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco and reliever David Robertson to the Phillies. In exchange, the Phillies send Griff McGarry, Jordan Viars, and Orion Kerkering to New York.

The Phillies haven’t had a reliable fifth starter all season. Carrasco might not be the solution, but he’s worth a shot at finding some stability. Their starting pitching depth is in disarray. Robertson is a fit for them yet again at this year’s trade deadline. The bigger prize in this trade with the Mets, the Phillies have to give up at least one noteworthy piece.

It’s McGarry, the club’s fourth ranked prospect, who fits this description. The 24-year-old has pitched to a 3.81 ERA in Double-A this season. In 141 minor league innings he’s 5-8 with a 3.64 ERA.

Viars is the only position player the Mets are acquiring in any of these three trade proposals. Ranked 13th in the Phillies’ system, the 19-year-old has slashed .223/.322/.334 since going pro in 2021. He’s a guy to wait and see develop and maybe break the hearts of the 2030 Phillies.

The inclusion of Kerkering, the club’s 21st ranked prospect, brings another right-handed pitcher over to the Mets. A fifth-rounder from last year’s draft, Kerkering has pitched to a 1.21 ERA exclusively in relief this year. Good control and a high strikeout rate could have him fast-tracking his way to a major league bullpen quickly; maybe even the one that calls Queens home.

What are the odds the Mets made any trades with the Braves, Marlins, or Phillies? They’ve sold players before and each included here needs to land somewhere else. Who really cares which team they end up with if you get something back you like?