With the Mets’ season coming to an end this month, the fan base has already begun speculating the potential personnel moves General Manager Sandy Alderson might add to his vision of the Mets’ future.
Besides the obvious concerns of Jose Reyes’ potential departure and the uncertainty in the bullpen, many fans are wondering what the future has in store for once-ace Mike Pelfrey.
Pelfrey’s season has been a disappointment thus far, highlighted by his 7-11 record and subpar 4.66 ERA, in what was supposed to be a year where he showed maturity and poise on the mound. His stellar 2010 season, where he won 15 games and held together a Mets staff, seems like a distant memory as the inconsistency we once thought plagued the right-hander has returned.
After being anointed the ace of the rotation by Manager Terry Collins in Spring Training, Pelfrey has not built on his previous season’s dominance and his lack of consistency has led many to question his place in Alderson’s grand scheme for the Mets’ future.
One report in The New York Post cited a source who speculated that the Mets might look to re-build the team by trading current core pieces of the roster and gearing up for a pennant run by the time prospects Matt Harvey, Zach Wheeler and others are ready for the big leagues.
If this were the case, it would certainly spell the end for a commodity such as Pelfrey. Though he is inconsistent, teams will not forget the brilliance the hurler showed in 2010. His age is prime for a pitcher – which is a reason the Mets will certainly have in mind if and when this decision occurs.
If the Mets were to trade Pelfrey this winter, there are a few different possibilities I see occurring:
WHITE SOX:
The other ‘Sox are an option as the team might be looking for another right-handed starter to add to their rotation. The Mets might be able to pry a few of the White Soxs’ mid-level prospects such as Tyler Flowers and fill a need – a legitimate starting catcher.
METS GET: C Tyler Flowers
REDS:
The Reds could have interest in adding Big Pelf to their starting five and might be willing to do a swap of underachieving hurlers. Despite his injury-riddled few seasons Edinson Volquez could be someone the Mets target in a deal with the Reds. When healthy, Volquez is one of the games premier pitchers – much like Pelfrey when he is consistent.
METS GET: P Edinson Volquez
PIRATES
The Pirates are an intriguing trade option for any team. With their current surge in the standings, the team and recently-extended GM Neil Huntington might be looking to build upon their newfound success. Coupled with the fact they have stockpiled prospects over their years of dismay, the Mets might be able to snag a strong prospect due to the dilution the Pirates system might have.
METS GET: P Colton Cain
YANKEES
The Yankees will certainly be on the prowl for starting pitchers this offseason, as they currently boast C.C. Sabathia and a bunch of question marks in their rotation. With the upcoming Free Agent starting pitching pool as thin as it is, it is not out of the question that the Yankees might take a gamble on someone like Pelfrey and his obvious upside. The Yanks also have depth in their catching prospects which matches them well with the Mets.
METS GET: C Austin Romine
RED SOX
The ‘Sox should be searching for pitching depth as the winter rolls around since much of their rotation has been inconsistant throughout this season. The Mets would be wise to target current set-up man Daniel Bard in a package for Pelfrey, as Bard could slot in as the team’s closer and would instantly fill a glaring need. The two teams would be swapping young arms, the only question would be whether the Red Sox would be willing to send the hard throwing right-hander.
METS GET: P Daniel Bard