As the New York Mets are reportedly engaged in discussions to upgrade their 2019 roster with the potential additions of Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano, the front office is reportedly also looking to trade one of its best players.
According to Kiley McDaniel of FanGraphs, New York is motivated to trade starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard this offseason under new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen. The Mets are reportedly engaged with multiple clubs and are expected to trade Syndergaard this winter.
Sources: Mets are motivated to trade Noah Syndergaard with GM Brodie Van Wagenen initiating talks w/multiple clubs. Expectation is he will be traded this winter, FA SP will be signed to fill his spot. deGrom is off limits w/NYM hoping for extension. BVW used to be agent for both.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) November 29, 2018
It’s a surprising report given the additions of Diaz and Cano would strengthen New York’s chances of contending in 2019 for the division. However, McDaniel notes the front office would then sign a starting pitcher in free agency to fill the void in the rotation.
Van Wagenen, formerly Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom’s agent, is also reportedly hoping to sign an extension with the reigning N.L. Cy Young award recipient.
Numerous teams would likely be interested in acquiring Syndergaard, who has some durability issues but when healthy has been one of the best pitchers in MLB. He is eligible for arbitration in each of the next three seasons before becoming a free agent in 2022.