Report: Mets To Make Deadline Deal For One of These Starting Pitchers

 

The New York Mets' pitching rotation is far from full strength, so it's no surprise that the team is trying to deal for another solid starter by the trade deadline. 

The Mets are eyeing two top starters at the trade deadline https://t.co/SWT7SsFZ8a

— Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) July 20, 2021

MLB insider Robert Murray reports that the Mets have been active in trade discussions, with their eyes on the Minnesota Twins' Jose Berrios and the Colorado Rockies' Jon Gray. Both starters have been drawing considerable interest on the trade market. 

The Mets will have some stiff competition for Gray, as the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation is also in disarray (Clayton Kershaw on the IL, Trevor Bauer on administrative leave), and they are thought to be a strong contender for the Rockies' starter. 

As for Berrios, Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner worked with him in Minnesota, and is a big fan of the Twins hurler.

Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner has recommended Jose Berrios strongly to the front office based off of his work with him in Minnesota (via @NYNJHarper) https://t.co/gSBqtajFHt pic.twitter.com/WDNaQBAg6y

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 15, 2021

However, word has trickled out that the Twins might be reconsidering their efforts to deal him after all, due to his team control for another season.  

Other teams say the Twins have indicated they aren't inclined to consider moving players under contractual control through 2022 -- like José Berríos. One possible and natural match for a Twins player currently available (this is speculation): Andrelton Simmons and the Reds.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 17, 2021

The Mets rotation is down to just two proven major league starters, Marcus Stroman and Taijuan Walker. Tylor Megill has been inserted as the 3rd starter recently. 

But with deGrom on the IL again, Carlos Carrasco also out (but currently on a rehab assignment), and Noah Syndergaard still in a holding pattern in his attempt to make it back this season, the Mets are hoping to land a starter before the trade deadline, to help them cling to their slim lead atop the NL East division.  

Photo Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports