The past two weeks have made a drastic difference for the New York Mets. The Mets have gone from being definite sellers at the trade deadline to one of the hottest teams in baseball. Grimace, the 53-year-old McDonald’s character, sparked a seven game winning streak after throwing out the first pitch nearly two weeks ago. The Mets entered Tuesday with a 37-39 record, within striking distance of a wild-card spot.
However, the Mets’ recent success does not guarantee they will keep their players. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets may be willing to trade some of their starting pitchers in order to accommodate Kodai Senga, Cristian Scott, and Jose Butto in the rotation. Jon Heyman, also of the New York Post, opined that pitchers Luis Severino, Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea could be dealt before the trade deadline on July 30 at 6:00 PM.
Severino has been one of the Mets’ best starters, posting a 3.29 ERA and a 1.151 WHIP over his 90.1 innings, striking out 71 batters with 31 walks. That type of production would fit well in the middle of any contending rotation. Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots for the Mets’ starter.
Houston Astros
The Astros also appeared to be sellers at the beginning of June. While Houston has a more difficult path to a playoff berth, it has won five consecutive games and seven of its last 10, pulling within 4.5 games of a wild-card spot at 38-40.
The Astros’ rotation has been decimated this season. Cristian Javier, Jose Urquidy, Justin Verlander, lance McCullers Jr., J.P. France and Luis Garcia are all on the injured list. Spencer Arrighetti has been hit or miss. If the Astros are going to make a run at a playoff berth, they will need another pitcher in the rotation. While Houston one of the worst farm systems in baseball, there could be enough there to entice the Mets.
