A simple Mets-Yankees trade to help both Big Apple teams

The New York Mets and New York Yankees engage in part one of the 2024 Subway Series at Citi Field this week. The two Big Apple clubs aren’t accustomed to making trades with each other on a regular basis. However, we’ve seen a couple of deals between the two clubs in recent years and even just a few weeks ago when the Yankees sent catcher Luis Torrens to the Mets for cash. Thanks again, Brian Cashman.

What about a bigger deal? This one-for-one swap would help both ball clubs fill a current need.

The Mets and Yankees both gain something important from this trade

The Mets lose their best left-handed bat off the bench, but because of his limitations to only playing against right-handed pitchers, he seems replaceable. Give Brett Baty another shot. If you’re going to play Jeff McNeil anyway, have him be more of a backup outfielder for you and allow Jose Iglesias to play second base often. The Yankees did recently call up rookie Ben Rice to fill the first base void in Anthony Rizzo’s presence. A trade for former Met J.D. Davis suggests there could be a regular platoon at first base.

Stewart isn’t essential for the Yankees nor does he push them over the top. However, with remaining minor league options, they can send him to the same place they keep shipping Ron Marinaccio, the pitcher the Mets pitch up in this trade: the minor leagues.

Marinaccio has a 3.02 ERA in 110.1 big league innings since his 2022 debut. Because of his available minor league options, the Yankees haven’t kept him around for long. He has pitched just 19 innings this year but with a 2.84 ERA, he’d be a useful piece for a Mets bullpen still in need of improvement. Marinaccio would give the Mets a major boost in terms of relief pitcher depth. With Sean Reid-Foley currently on the IL, he’d be a right-handed option to carry along.

If there is one downside to Marinaccio it’s that the Yankees have already used his final option year. The advantage of being able to send him to Syracuse runs out in 2025. It’s not a major issue. This team needs some controllable bullpen pieces. Marinaccio won’t reach free agency until after the 2028 season.

For a Stewart alternative who swings left-handed the Mets could consider calling up Ben Gamel. He’s hitting .314/.423/.538 with 7 home runs and 24 RBI in 190 plate appearances in Triple-A. A much different player in some regards than Stewart, they might not lose a whole lot with this swap. 

Those thinking this trade might lean too much in favor of the Mets, we’ll throw in Tyler Jay. He’s a lefty pitching well in Triple-A. Too slanted in favor of the Yankees? Pick a low-level prospect or consider it restitution for them sending us Torrens for cash.

As of today, this might not be a trade either team would make. Uncertainty with the health of Starling Marte plus the just days-old addition of Davis to the Yankees will have both teams holding tight. In another month, let's talk.