The Mets May Sell While Contending, Can The Twins Trade For One Of Their Starters?

[Brock Beauchamp]

Two weeks ago, the Mets looked like they were on a path to being clear sellers at the trade deadline; several games under .500 and well back of the Wild Card, most expected David Stearns to sell. A small warm-streak later, they're still under .500 but now only two games out of the third Wild Card spot in the National League.

Why should a Twins fan care? Well, because the Mets have starting pitching, and a lot of it. Mike Puma of the New York Post tweeted that it's possible the Mets may look to move starters while also trying to contend. They have several starters coming back from injury or in the minors (see below) but also have several starters on expiring or short-term contracts: Luis Severino (3.52 ERA, free agent after the season), Jose Quintana (4.58 ERA, free agent after the season), and Sean Manaea (4.16 ERA, $13.5 million option for 2025) are three options the Metropolitans could use as bait to beef up their middle-of-the-pack offense.

 

View full rumor

[dxpavelka]

I believe we have sufficient offense but not enough excess to trade.  Also not sure what we'd get in return without parting with one of the top 3 prospect bats.

[Doctor Gast]

I don't think we need other teams' rejects.

[Otaknam]

The only reason to trade any top prospects is if this team is poised for a strong playoff run, which this team clearly isn’t. Keep building this team for next year and hopefully a serious future run. 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

The two expiring contracts would be OK if they can be had cheap.  We can certainly use another solid SP arm, but I think the price may be higher than I would like for a rental.  On the other hand if Sean Menaea at a $13.5M pricetag for next year could be had that might prove more interesting.  Would they want Paddack back for their bullpen this year (and maybe next year as well, or he could start) and one of our mystery bats like Wallner or Larnach (I'd add Kiriloff but I don't think anyone will touch him right now)?  Happy to throw in Farmer if they want a utility guy.  Could be a win/win trade, not that I care about the Metropolitans.

[nicksaviking]

I'm the same as this past offseason; I'm only interested in getting a Sonny Gray replacement to try to actually contend for a championship, I don't care about filling out the rotation just to chase another early exit playoff berth. I don't see any of those pitchers putting the Twins over the top.

In past years I would have loved to have the underrated Luis Severino, but I'd need to be talked into him now. Why can't he strike anyone out any more? Zero interest in the super high contact Jose Quintana and I trust Sean Manaea about the same as I trust my dog not to bark at the Amazon delivery guy.

[LambchoP]

Only starters we should go after are impact starters with another year of control at least. We have plenty of number 4 and 5 starters. What we need is a 1 or 2 at the top. If not the deadline, who's available this off-season. (That we could afford)?

[Hubie29]

On 6/23/2024 at 7:14 PM, Doctor Gast said:

I don't think we need other teams' rejects.

I totally agree, but we are good at trying to rehabilitate other teams rejects. That's what we did "revamping" the bull pen.  

[Hubie29]

Manaea would not be an addition to this staff.  He would be another 4 or 5 starter. We have plenty of them. Festa could be a godsend for this staff. If we trade for a pitcher, thinking we can make a run, we need another #1 or #2 starter. I use the term "another" very loosely. 

[SwainZag]

13 hours ago, Hubie29 said:

Manaea would not be an addition to this staff.  He would be another 4 or 5 starter. We have plenty of them. Festa could be a godsend for this staff. If we trade for a pitcher, thinking we can make a run, we need another #1 or #2 starter. I use the term "another" very loosely. 

I see so many posts about the Twins acquiring a "1 or 2 starter".  Who are these 1 or 2 the Twins could acquire?  There's a small handful of aces and then the next 30-35 starters are in a pretty close tier, including Joe Ryan and Pablo (despite his inflated ERA). 

Do we want to see the Twins unload the farm for a guy like Erick Fedde, who technically is a top 20 pitcher this year, but is 31 and never shown he is more than a mid-rotation until this year?  I have read how the Twins should avoid the veteran guys like  Verlander and Scherzer because they are old and expensive.  Who are these guys they should go after?  Most of these guys are on contenders.  Maybe Jack Flaherty, who's having a pretty nice season, but hasn't been good before this year since 2020?

I understand how Manaea isn't an ideal target, he falls into the Ober or Paddack range, but who's out there?

[Wellimam]

As a Twins fan, I think we should definitely keep an eye on the Mets. They might be willing to trade some of their starting pitchers, which is exactly what we need. Our rotation could use a boost, and someone like Severino or Manaea could really help us out. If the Mets are willing to deal, it could make a big difference for us down the stretch. Plus, if we’re serious about making a playoff push, adding a solid arm could be the key.

[Mike Sixel]

12 hours ago, SwainZag said:

I see so many posts about the Twins acquiring a "1 or 2 starter".  Who are these 1 or 2 the Twins could acquire?  There's a small handful of aces and then the next 30-35 starters are in a pretty close tier, including Joe Ryan and Pablo (despite his inflated ERA). 

Do we want to see the Twins unload the farm for a guy like Erick Fedde, who technically is a top 20 pitcher this year, but is 31 and never shown he is more than a mid-rotation until this year?  I have read how the Twins should avoid the veteran guys like  Verlander and Scherzer because they are old and expensive.  Who are these guys they should go after?  Most of these guys are on contenders.  Maybe Jack Flaherty, who's having a pretty nice season, but hasn't been good before this year since 2020?

I understand how Manaea isn't an ideal target, he falls into the Ober or Paddack range, but who's out there?

I think that's the point, there isn't anyone worth pursuing (most likely).....

[old nurse]

17 hours ago, SwainZag said:

I see so many posts about the Twins acquiring a "1 or 2 starter".  Who are these 1 or 2 the Twins could acquire?  There's a small handful of aces and then the next 30-35 starters are in a pretty close tier, including Joe Ryan and Pablo (despite his inflated ERA). 

Do we want to see the Twins unload the farm for a guy like Erick Fedde, who technically is a top 20 pitcher this year, but is 31 and never shown he is more than a mid-rotation until this year?  I have read how the Twins should avoid the veteran guys like  Verlander and Scherzer because they are old and expensive.  Who are these guys they should go after?  Most of these guys are on contenders.  Maybe Jack Flaherty, who's having a pretty nice season, but hasn't been good before this year since 2020?

I understand how Manaea isn't an ideal target, he falls into the Ober or Paddack range, but who's out there?

If anything happens it will be the Twins way. They have to identify a pitcher with under 4 years service time in with identifiable upside or underutilized in a swing role.