The New York Mets have collapsed to easily one of the biggest laughing stocks in the league. After starting so hot, they have completely fallen flat on their faces. With the trade deadline approaching, they are likely headed for another firesale. One of the biggest trade assets could be RHP Jacob DeGrom, one of the best in the game.
While the Mets may hold on and extend the ace long-term, it would also be smart for their future to sell him for prospects. Here are some possible trade destinations for New York Mets starter Jacob DeGrom.
New York Yankees
The Yankees are almost a complete team, they are just a starting pitcher away. Jacob DeGrom is the perfect fit for the New York Yankees. DeGrom is the ace this team is missing, him and Luis Severino would be a solid 1-2 punch. He is arguably one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball today. Over 16 starts, deGrom is 5-3 with 126 strikeouts and a league leading 1.69 ERA.
The only question here is if these rivals could come to an agreement on a trade. The Mets will likely want either a package to start with 3B Miguel Andujar or 2B Gleybar Torres. Will the Yankees be willing to give either of their young stars up? Probably not. A deal likely isn’t imminent, but it is certainly a perfect match.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers should be considered a dark horse in the Jacob DeGrom sweepstakes. After gutting their system in the Christian Yelich trade, Milwaukee doesn’t nearly have the prospects to acquire DeGrom. A deal would likely require prospects such as 2B Keston Huira, 3B Lucas Erceg, and OF Domingo Santana.
The Brewers have the offense and the bullpen to be a contender, their only issue is their starting rotation. Chase Anderson, Joulys Chacin, Junior Guerra, Brent Suter, and Freddy Peralta certainly doesn’t scare many teams. If they could somehow add an ace like DeGrom, they would be dominant. However, if upper management feels the team isn’t ready to contend they should not sell the farm.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw and Jacob DeGrom, imagine a rotation headlined by the two best pitchers in baseball. An acquisition of an ace of DeGrom’s caliber would put LA over the top. The offense is there, the bullpen is there, the rotation is already there. The Dodgers do not NEED DeGrom, but he puts them over the top. DeGrom, Kershaw, Alex Wood, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda: elite.
The Mets would likely start their negations around SP Walker Buehler. Although, I do not think the Dodgers would be willing to move Buehler. A likely package could include OF Yasiel Puig, OF Alex Verdugo, RHP Mitchell White, or C Keibert Ruiz.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels do not know how long Shohei Ohtani will not be able to pitch. He was diagnosed with a Grade 2 UCL injury. One way to fill this need would be to bring in ace Jacob DeGrom. A rotation of DeGrom, Ohtani (if healthy), Garrett Richards, Tyler Skaggs, and Andrew Heaney is very solid. The Angels are running out of time to make a run with Mike Trout, picking up DeGrom would be a huge step i the right direction.
The package is going to be steep, because the Angels are desperate. The Mets would likely ask for OF Jo Adell, RHP Griffin Canning, RHP Jaime Barria, or 2B Jahmai Jones. While the Angels system is sort of mediocre, they likely could get a deal done. Mike Trout needs his ace, will the Angels go get him one?
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