The New York Mets possess enough attractive minor-league arms to supplement their roster without dealing top pitching prospects, according to rival evaluators familiar with the organization.
The Mets traded four minor-league pitchers last year: Tyler Stuart for Jesse Winker, Kade Morris for Paul Blackburn, Paul Gervase for Tyler Zuber at the deadline, and Eric Orze for Jose Siri over the offseason. Only Stuart and Orze ranked among the organization\'s top 15 pitching prospects at the time, according to four evaluators from separate organizations.
The club\'s pitching depth extends well beyond their consensus top prospects. Brandon Sproat, Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, Jonathan Santucci, Blade Tidwell, and Nate Dohm lead the system\'s pitching hierarchy.
Trade Market Positioning
The Mets are monitoring the market for center field and bullpen help, league sources said. More expensive targets such as frontline starters may emerge as possibilities.
Other clubs show interest in Mets pitchers beyond public top-25 prospect lists. Zach Thornton and Douglas Orellana generate particular intrigue among rival organizations.
\"Such depth, especially with arms that other clubs like, makes them all the more dangerous when you add that they can probably take on money because of their owner and they\'re led by David Stearns in a good front office,\" one National League GM said.
The combination of pitching depth and financial flexibility under owner Steve Cohen positions the Mets as aggressive buyers. President of baseball operations David Stearns successfully addressed rotation depth, bullpen needs, and designated hitter through farm system trades last summer.