madden15s-7-webSandy Alderson finally made a trade and acquired two veteran hitters in Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe. The Mets were in need of some offensive pieces, and got two of them from their division rivals. As we continue to approach the trade deadline, Alderson said that he is still pursuing big moves to upgrade the offense. One player that has been linked to the Mets is Justin Upton of the San Diego Padres, but trade talks subsided. Rumors run rampant this time of year, but it seemed that a trade would have been around Zack Wheeler for Upton. Would this deal be worthwhile?

The current Mets outfield is featuring rookie Michael Conforto, Curtis Granderson, Juan Lagares and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Although it is early in his big league career, Conforto should be given the opportunity to start in left field on an everyday basis, otherwise his promotion would hurt his development. Granderson has had a decent season, posting a .344 OBP with a 2.3 WAR from the leadoff spot. Centerfield has been a weak spot this season, as Lagares is battling injuries and his offensive numbers have diminished quite a bit from last season.

Upton is a talented player, and he has had a decent season as he was named to the All-Star Game this year. Upton is entering free agency after this season, and would be a rental player for the Mets. If the Mets were to make this deal, they could push Granderson to centerfield and put Upton in right field, which would make Lagares come off the bench. This could work, as Lagares could come on in the later innings as a defensive replacement or a pinch runner. Would this outfield alignment be worth giving up Wheeler?

This trade would be a no-brainer if Upton was under contract for the next couple of years, but that is not the case. Even though Wheeler will not pitch for the Mets this season, he is under contract until 2020, and reaches arbitration in 2017. Plus the Mets are losing Bartolo Colon next season, and who knows what Alderson will do with Jon Niese. The Mets have Rafael Montero as a potential starter next season, but he has also been brought up in trade rumors. The rotation will be in good shape next season, as the top four starters will be Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.. The fifth starter could be found elsewhere, but if Wheeler pitches up to his potential, the Mets would have one of the best rotations in baseball.

Trading Wheeler is on the table, and it makes sense; but why trade a talented pitcher for a rental player? If the Mets were going to trade Wheeler, it would make sense to get an outfielder that would be with the team for a long period of time. Otherwise, the Mets will be relying on Conforto, Michael Cuddyer, Granderson and Lagares next season, while trading away one of their young arms. There are definitely big moves to be made, but Sandy should not overpay for a rental player.

20 comments on “Does Zack Wheeler for Justin Upton make sense?

  • Larry Smith

    I agree that Wheeler for any rental is questionable. Now if we were talking Jay Bruce where you have another year on the deal then maybe it is something to consider. But for Upton who will definitely walk since the Wilpons don’t pay for that kind of free agent I wouldn’t go there.

    • JC

      I agree if you trade Wheeler it’s got to be for a player who is under control beyond this year I’m not against trading Wheeler but not for a rental

    • John

      Bruce really is a product of his home ball park. Too many strikeouts not enough hit tool. A couple of middling prospects, yes. Wheeler no.

      • s. Finch

        Bruce would be a good get if the cost in prospects is not too steep. His home ballpark really has little to do with his overall line, though. His career splits are rather comparable. Plus, most players are understandably more comfortable at home.

  • Chris F

    Since we’re thinking about the Reds, why not see what Bruce and Chapman gets.

    I’m not a believer in the playoffs for Familia, Mejia, or Parnell as closer.

    • Mike Koehler

      Mejia is ineligible for the playoffs due to his suspension. I’d roll the dice with Familia and Parnell; wouldn’t hurt to add another late-inning arm to the mix.

  • Scott the Met fan

    Byrd and Phillips for Flores and Verret.

  • Metsense

    The Mets are still weak in two places offensively, shortstop and centerfield.
    I would not trade Wheeler for a rental but I would trade him in a package for Carlos Gomez ot Troy Tulowitzki. The right package could bring in either player.

    • Chris F

      I read that in the Tulo situation when SA called in, Bridich said he is absolutely unavailable.

    • TexasGusCC

      Metsense, love it. But, what is the package? I would not put any more prominent pieces in the basket.

      Wheeler should be good to go by next year’s opening day so they won’t be losing much time waiting. But since we’re trading a young stud, would you do it for Addison Russell after the season? Both teams would benefit, just not right now. So while I understand that we want the help now, if the two organizations are willing to do this in November, what would you rather have: Gomez for a year and a half or Russell for six?

      • James Preller

        My impression is that Wheeler is on the Parnell schedule. All-Star Break. And probably not an easy comeback for him. I doubt he’ll be as good as Harvey, circa 2015. The real, fully recovered Wheeler comes back in 2017, IMO.

        • John

          That is what hear also. Scheduled return is Aug of next year.

    • James Newman

      Absolutely agree Metsense. I read that Tulowitzki is not available at the moment, but Carlos Gomez would be an interesting addition to this ball club. Even if he has a year left on his deal after this season, it is better than trading for a rental player.

    • James Preller

      Yes, Metsense, that’s where I’m at. CF or SS.

      The Mets need an outfielder who can play CF; I don’t see the value of Bruce or Upton if they only push Conforto off the field. Makes no sense to me.

      Gomez, OTOH . . .

      And yes about the additional arm in the pen. That would help.

  • David Groveman

    It would be the second time Wheeler would be traded for a rental OF and it would be the second time the team that traded him regretted it.

    • norme

      +1

  • Joe Gomes

    Carlos Gomez is the player to get if Wheeler is involved. Otherwise, Byrd is a good choice too for a lesser prospect not named Fullmer or Montero.

  • Mike B

    Upton is crashing. 24 for 142 since June 1. For Wheeler? Not a chance. Melvin Upton is having a better two months. People need to pay attention to what’s going on, not what used to go on. Upton’s only consistent in striking out.

  • Fred

    Yes you trade Wheeler for a Upton in a heartbeat!! There is no guarantee Wheeler comes back from TJ surgery to be the same pitcher. Imagine a lineup of Upton, Duda, Uribe, Flores, Murphy, Conforto/Johnson, Granderson!! Even if Upton is a rental, if this puts them in the playoffs as a legit contender, ask yourself if 1 player is worth a World Series, I say yes!!

    Editor’s Note – Please do not capitalize words in your post, as that is a violation of our Comment Policy.

  • Matt Netter

    Sandy has a lot of pieces to work with – Wheeler, Niese, Gee, Parnell, Mejia, Tejada, Nimmo, Fulmer, Montero, etc. for the right deal I’d include anyone outside the big 4, Familia and Conforto. In other words I’d be okay including Lagares to get Gomez or Flores to get Tulo. Also Murph and Colon should be available to buyers.

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