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MLB Trade Deadline 2019: 5 players who made out best by being dealt

By Joshua Sadlock

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: Zack Greinke #21 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: Zack Greinke #21 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 31: Marcus Stroman #7 new pitcher of the New York Mets warms up in the outfield before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 31, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 31: Marcus Stroman #7 new pitcher of the New York Mets warms up in the outfield before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 31, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

2. Marcus Stroman

Right-hander Marcus Stroman was definitely not exactly happy when first informed he had been traded to the New York Mets. If the 28-year-old, who is originally from Long Island, was going home to the Big Apple, he definitely hoped it would be to play for the Yankees. Instead, he got sent to the Mets, which actually looks like a pretty big win for him in the long run.

Had Stroman been traded to the Yankees, he would have been under immense pressure to lead an underwhelming and injury-plagued staff. Sure, he’s shown in the past that he thrives under pressure and maybe that would have been the case in the Bronx. Still, it’s a tough spot for any pitcher to be in, regardless of how confidently they carry themselves on the mound. Across the city with the Mets, Stroman has the opportunity to join a staff that has the potential to rival any in baseball. He will learn from Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler if the Mets are able to re-sign him.

Pitchers, more so than hitters, benefit from working with and learning from each other. They teach each other different grips and pitches, discuss hitters and come together to form a unit in a way that lineups just don’t. Almost as soon as Stroman realized the Mets were keeping their whole rotation together, his view on not being traded to a contender shifted dramatically.

Any landing spot would have benefited Stroman, who had begun to find himself increasingly at odds with Toronto management. He clearly loved the city and pitching for Canada’s only MLB team, but had butted heads with the front office over the direction of the franchise as it rebuilds. Now, he has a fresh start and a great landing spot to increase his value for free agency next year.

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