The hot stove is officially on and we are finally getting to see flames coming out of it . Last night, MLB insider Jon Morosi reported the trade between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Mets is official. The Mets will get Second Baseman Robinson Cano and right handed pitcher Edwin Diaz in exchange for outfielder Jay Bruce, right handed pitcher Anthony Swarzak, and three prospects. But two out of those three prospects were the number three and four prospects in the Mets’ farm system and they were outfielder Jarred Kelenic and right handed pitcher Justin Dunn. Also, Seattle will send over $20 million to pay off one year of Robinson Cano’s contract. Here’s my reaction: I love it for the Mariners and for the Mets? Not so much. Let me explain.
Shedding off a massive contract is a very difficult task when an organization is going through a rebuild. I am giving a lot of credit to Seattle’s General Manager Jerry Dipoto for finding a team that is willing to take on Cano’s massive contract and getting two quality prospects out of this deal. Knowing how much Dipoto loves to make deals, he could potentially offload Jay Bruce and Anthony Swarzak to a contending team, the two combined are scheduled to make over 20 million dollars.
As for the Mets, what in the world were they thinking? Here’s one thing and we all know that getting a closer like Edwin Diaz instantly boosts their bullpen. He’s 24 years old, cheap and electric. In 2018, Diaz posted major league leading 57 saves and an impressive K/9 of 15.33. In 2018 Diaz struck out 44.3% of the batters he faced in 73.1 innings pitched. Absolutely unreal. Here’s the part that turns me off about the deal. They’re going to pay millions for a 36 year second baseman that was suspended 80 games for violating MLB’s performance and enhancing drug policy.
Cano has had one heck of a Career. Since 2010, he’s recorded the 2nd highest WAR between all active major leaguers which is behind Mike Trout and ahead of Joey Votto. If the Mets are wanting to win now, investing in a 36 year old player financially is not a good look especially after finishing 4th in the NL east. Another thing that bites my tongue about this, is that why would you trade for a closer (which ends up costing you 2 quality prospects), instead signing a free agent? The Mets could’ve kept their prospects and sign any of these following relievers: Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Craig Kimbrel, and Zack Britton.
With the emergence of the Atlanta Braves and The Philadelphia Phillies (in which they are looking to aggressively add this off season), It’s going to be difficult for the Mets to win the NL east. This can’t be the only move the Mets make this off season if they are wanting to win now. If this is their only move for the off season, it could be a world of hurt for the Mets.
