The New York Mets have emerged as a clear playoff contender in the National League. Just two games out of first in the East, the team has pulled off yet another deal to help it for the stretch run.
Days after acquiring Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe from the Atlanta Braves, New York has picked up Oakland Athletics closer Tyler Clippard in exchange for pitching prospect Casey Meisner.
The Mets have acquired RHP Tyler Clippard and cash considerations from Oakland in exchange for minor league RHP Casey Meisner.
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 27, 2015
This makes a ton of sense for both teams. Jenrry Mejia, the Mets’ closer from last year, is ineligible to pitch in the postseason after receiving an 80-game suspension for PED use prior to the season. Adding Clippard to the mix gives New York another late-inning arm to go with Jeurys Familia.
Clippard, a two-time All-Star, was 1-3 with a 2.79 ERA with 17 saves in 37 relief appearances with Oakland. He also held opposing hitters to a .175 batting average. The veteran is set to become a free agent in the winter and is likely nothing more than a rental.
After a substandard return for Scott Kazmir last week, A’s general manager Billy Beane got his team a solid prospect in this deal.
Meisner, a third-round pick back in 2013, was graded out as the Mets 15th-ranked prospect by MLB.com at the start of the year. He’s a combined 10-4 with a 2.35 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 18 appearances (all starts) for Single-A Savannah and high Single-A St. Lucie this season.
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