The Mets’ rotation has been baseball’s biggest surprise this season, but what happens if their pitching staff comes back to earth?
New York’s starting pitching has arguably been MLB’s best through the first month, despite lacking the star power of other top rotations. David Stearns has worked his magic assembling this group, but it’s still early, and regression seems inevitable at some point.
If the Mets’ pitching does falter, they’ll hope it happens well before the trade deadline, giving the front office time to address any weaknesses. That’s where potential trade targets come in.
MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger recently identified Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt as a logical trade candidate, and there’s an interesting Mets connection here. Bassitt already has history with the organization, posting a solid 3.42 ERA across 30 starts for New York in 2022.
“I don’t think the Blue Jays are going to the World Series. I don’t see them as a playoff team,” Amsinger said. “Chris Bassitt has got to go. He’s in a walk year… His ERA is sparkling. You could get a haul for this right-hander. He’s been around the league for a while. He’s kind of funky in terms of his mechanics.”
The 36-year-old Bassitt has been excellent this season, sporting a 2.26 ERA that’s reminiscent of his All-Star form. His age and pending free agency status make him a classic deadline target for contenders.
There’s one significant hurdle, though. Toronto will likely demand substantial prospect capital in return, and it’s fair to question whether Stearns would part with valuable minor leaguers for a rental pitcher in his mid-30s. The Mets’ farm system has improved, but it’s not overflowing with expendable talent.
Stearns typically prefers adding players with team control beyond the current season. But if the asking price is reasonable, reuniting with a pitcher of Bassitt’s caliber who already knows New York could be the perfect midseason boost for a team with playoff aspirations.
