Reese Kaplan -- Still Waiting for David Stearns' Roster Changes

There has been some chatter praising David Stearns for his minor roster ripples picking up low level relief pitchers.  Phil Maton is a bit more established but aside from an acceptable 2022 and an outstanding 2023, the rest of his career has been well above a 4.00 ERA.  They say the Mets are planning to be buyers at this trade deadline but if this magnitude of roster improvement what has been envisioned, then they might as well sell.

As a contrast, the Chicago White Sox who are rumored to be major players in selling by the end of this month, they have taken the All Star break to juggle their roster, DFA-ing veterans Martin Maldonado and former short-term Met Danny Mendick.  They have made about five moves in preparation for creating some roster space for younger players they expect either to promote or acquire. 

Now I’m not saying that the White Sox are smarter than the Mets in how they’re approaching this July deadline period, but it at least appears that they are actively making an effort at shaking things up.  The gentle ripples executed by David Stearns are not bad but what people are hoping to experience is a major splash.

Poll people about what the Mets need to do to improve their suddenly competitive team, the answer to the question would still be bullpen.  Faith has not been restored in Edwin Diaz.  Right now people feel far more confident when old rookie Dedniel Nunez or converted starter Jose Butto enters a game than any other relievers.  

The fact that people are salivating over the return of injured Sean Reid-Foley spells out fairly dramatically just how bad things have gotten out there.  They are still pitching to an ERA over 10.00 since early June.

The rumor mill suggests that the Mets are actively looking for a starting pitcher as part of the plan to move to a six-man rotation for the balance of the year to help preserve the innings demanded by newcomer Christian Scott and recovering Kodai Senga.  

Was I the only one scratching my head when this narrative was revealed?  Isn’t Kodai Senga coming back the 6th starting pitcher in addition to the five already here?  Does it mean that one (or more?) of the current starters will be offered up in trade?  If so, then we need to begin the rotation count all over again.

Improving pitching will certainly help but on offense there are some black holes that need to be addressed.  No one taking Starling Marte’s place in the outfield has contributed in a significant way.  

Given the quartet of suspects, at least Tyrone Taylor can field and run well.  McNeil is frankly becoming a team embarrassment, nearly surpassed by the .173 hitting D.J. Stewart whose only saving graces are that his option that has not been used and the $8.4 million higher price they’re paying for McNeil.  Ben Gamel was stuck in the minors for a reason.  

By the way, if you want to read a scary stat on McNeil, have a peek at his remaining contract.  That $10 million plus this year jumps to $15.75 plus for each of the next two years and then again in a third year in 2027 or a $2 million buyout.  Do the math and realize the Mets are on the hook to McNeil for another $33.5 million. 

Getting back to the team, the club needs another infielder if they jettison McNeil and another outfielder who hits at least 100 points higher than D.J. Stewart.  They could promote Brett Baty and leave Jose Iglesias at second base but there are no real options for the outfield internally unless you rush Drew Gilbert or promote another AAAA type. 

These holes to fill are not the giant game changers that people want to see, but often addition by subtraction is a strategy that must be considered.