The New York Mets should be more than happy to take on some money at this year's trade deadline.
It's been a good first half on the whole for the Mets' starting rotation, but unfortunately, injuries have slowed their roll of late. The returns of Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea will help the situation immensely, but another starter could still be needed at the trade deadline.
There are a lot of candidates who could make sense as durable innings-eaters for the Mets to slot into the number-three or four spot in their rotation, and one baseball insider believes the Pittsburgh Pirates' Mitch Keller could be just what they're seeking.
On Wednesday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposed a trade package the Mets could send to the Pirates for Keller, and it was a steep one: infielder Ronny Mauricio and first base prospect Ryan Clifford.
"I think Mauricio and first baseman Ryan Clifford would be equal value for Keller, and that’s a trade both sides should make. I like Clifford’s future bat over (Drew) Gilbert’s, and the Pirates should get two young bats for Keller," Bowden wrote.
Keller is undoubtedly a good trade candidate, and he fits what the Mets need. He now owns a 3.58 ERA in 19 starts this season, totaling 113 innings pitched. But that's a lot to give up for a one-time All-Star who generally profiles as a mid-rotation starter.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Mauricio, 22. hit a huge home run for the Mets on Tuesday night, his fourth of the season, and now sports a 112 OPS+ in 25 games since making his return to the majors. He missed the entire 2024 season with a knee injury, but looks to have not missed a beat.
The Pirates gave Keller a five-year, $77 million extension that runs through 2028 and is heavily backloaded. If the Mets assume the entire value of the deal, perhaps they can hang onto Mauricio.
More MLB: Phillies predicted to acquire Orioles' $9 million All-Star at trade deadline