3 small Mets trades we can realistically expect before Opening Day

3) The Mets trade Max Kranick for cash considerations

Max Kranick grew up a fan of the Mets so when they claimed him off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates there was probably a lot of excitement. However, as a starting pitcher on the 40-man roster without any minor league options, he’s also on the DFA bubble already.

Selecting him may have had multiple purposes. Perhaps they liked him as a player. Maybe they have an interest in seeing what he can do as a long man out of the bullpen. Due to his personal connection with the Mets, nostalgia could always play a factor with the ball club hoping that if he was DFA’d and passed through waivers he’d willingly accept a reassignment to Syracuse.

Then there’s the other choice. The Cooper Hummel route. Another offseason waiver claim by the Mets, Hummel was recently traded to the San Francisco Giants for cash considerations. The nearer we get to the start of the 2024 season, the more other teams could desperately seek to fill out their rosters. Kranick would be an upgrade for a lot of teams even if it’s just with a spot in the bullpen and not in the rotation.

Could the Mets surprise us all and make a bigger move than any of these three? It would fly in the face of everything else they’ve done. One speculative option could always involve them dealing Drew Smith somewhere for a lefty reliever or a righty with minor league options. Because the Mets have passed on so many of the free agent relievers available, this could be a way to add a controllable piece on a lower salary. Just don’t count on this happening.