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MLB Trade Deadline: 1 trade every team shouldn’t make

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws in the spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws in the spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Mets: Trading any starting pitching depth

Once again, the Mets might be tempted to make a splash addition in an effort to keep up with the Nationals and Cubs. However, New York should be careful with dealing any more pitching depth, even if it is a position of strength.

New York’s World Series run was catalyzed by adding Yoenis Cespedes at the 2015 trade deadline. While the deal was absolutely worth it,  particularly after Cespedes re-signed in the offseason, the Mets did lose a near MLB-ready starting pitcher in Michael Fulmer, in addition to Jonathan Niese over the offseason.

The Mets currently trail the Nationals by 1.5 games at 22-17, and will be buying once again at the deadline. However, dealing any more pitching depth from the upper minors or major league level could backfire.

New York might have the best rotation in the Majors, and just about every member of it is still very young, but there are injury concerns all over the place. Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz have already dealt with minor yet still concerning injuries, while Matt Harvey hasn’t looked quite right all season.

There’s a chance the Mets will have to use their starting pitching depth for a significant amount of time later in the season. That includes Zack Wheeler, a former top prospect who is slated to make his return from Tommy John surgery in the next few weeks.

Wheeler has been good in the limited time he’s been healthy, posting a 3.50 ERA (3.77 FIP) with over 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings, according to FanGraphs. While Wheeler has been rumored as a trade chip for years due to New York’s good rotation, he could have an important role to the team later in the summer.

The Mets should add to their bullpen at the deadline, but need to find another avenue than trading Wheeler.

Next: New York Yankees: Dealing Brett Gardner

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