3 Mets prospects who must be untouchable in trade talks
The New York Mets are competing for the National League East and are looking to make it to the World Series this season. While they are playing well, some injuries are taking their toll, and their lineup is still struggling. Because of this, New York might make a move, and the Mets' trade market might open up. If the team does make a trade, they absolutely cannot unload three Mets prospects who will be very valuable for a long time.
Advertisement
The Mets just lost a starting pitcher for the season, which will significantly hinder them. It gets even worse. Recently, the Mets endured a sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Much of this has to do with a struggling lineup, as they combined for just four runs over three games. While the Mets finally ended their losing streak by beating the Milwaukee Brewers, there are significant concerns.
This has opened up the floodgates for trade rumors regarding numerous Mets' prospects. While the Mets' trade market is open, the club has to be careful. They have a lot of excellent prospects, and some of these guys will help New York stay a contender for years to come.
Brandon Sproat is one of the Mets' prospects with potential
Brandon Sproat is one of the top prospects in the system. The early profiles on him were that he was a solid No. 2 starting pitcher and someone who could reach the majors in 2025. Unfortunately, things have not worked out that way this season.
Advertisement
Sproat is just 4-5 with a 5.43 ERA in 16 starts for Triple-A Syracuse. This is after going 7-4 with a 3.40 ERA across three levels over 23 starts and 24 games overall last season. Alarmingly, his stats have ballooned, and he has not figured it out yet. But Sproat just had his best start, hurling six shutout innings while allowing two hits in a win over Triple-A Rochester.
Sproat thrives on his elite velocity, which has reached up to 101 MPH, as well as a plus changeup and slider. Conversely, his fastball shape and spin have been hittable. His changeup has been less effective this season because the velocity has climbed. His curveball needs improvement, and some observers have noted that it may be holding him back. Regardless, Sproat has the tools to become a good starting pitcher for the Mets, and they cannot trade him until they see what he can do.
The Mets can't trade Jett Williams
Of all the Mets trade prospects, Jett Williams could become very valuable. At just 21 years old, he has all the athleticism to succeed whether it's being a shortstop or an outfielder. Teams crave that flexibility, and that is why he is one of the best Mets' prospects around. However, New York must resist the urge to trade him.
Advertisement
Williams has been doing well this season, batting .280 with a .394 on-base percentage, and six home runs, 25 RBIs, 46 runs, and 24 stolen bases. Amazingly, he has been all over the basepaths and all over the field, making opponents pay for their mistakes and creating havoc all over the diamond. With Francisco Lindor still holding the reins at shortstop, the Mets can afford to let Williams marinate a little.
Williams can take the next step and move on to Triple-A in his development. After he completes that tour, he will be ready to move on to the big leagues. With Juan Soto holding down the fort in right field, there might be an opening in center for the emerging Williams.
Nolan McLean could become elite
Nolan McLean was initially supposed to be a power reliever. Yet, there is a good chance he might emerge as a starting pitcher. If the Mets continue to deal with injuries to the rotation, they might have McLean available.
Advertisement
McLean is going solid work at Triple-A Syracuse, going 5-5 with a 2.55 ERA over 14 games and 12 starts. Ultimately, he is getting his shot in the rotation, and it's working. Because of his success, he could be turning him into one of the better Mets' trade prospects. New York must not send him away.
McClean has six pitches, including the four-seam fastball, the sweeping slider, and a cutter that makes hitters think twice. Notably, the sweeper is his strongest pitch, and it's one of the reasons he has been dominating. His powerful fastball has been successful, and his low three-quarter arm slot makes him very deceptive. The only weaknesses in McLean's arsenal are his command inconsistencies and potential starter stamina.
The Mets would be wise to foster McLean's development and help him become the elite pitcher he is trending toward. Furthermore, Sproat and Williams could also become centerpieces for the Mets over the next few seasons.
Related: Mets place 2 pitchers on IL before Brewers clash
Related: Mets' Francisco Lindor drops truth bomb on successful lineup change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tyler Glasnow rejoining Dodgers rotation in massive boost
The Dodgers' depleted rotation is getting a much-needed boost. Tyler Glasnow is returning to the mound after more than two months on the injured list, with his first start back slated for Wednesday against the Brewers, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday. Advertisement Glasnow landed on the 15-day IL after suffering a shoulder injury April 27 and he was eventually moved to the 60-day IL. After the 31-year-old righty returns Wednesday, he'll have the chance to rest some more over the All-Star break from July 14-17. Glasnow has made five starts with the Dodgers this season, posting a 4.50 ERA and 23 strikeouts across 18 innings. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow on April 27. Getty Images In 2024, his first season after signing a five-year, $136.5 million deal with the Dodgers, Glasnow earned his first career All-Star appearance while notching a 3.49 ERA with 168 strikeouts in 134 innings. He missed all of the team's run to the World Series title, though, after he was sidelined with elbow tendonitis in mid-August. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow on April 20. Getty Images He has been on a rehab assignment with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City since June 22. Advertisement The Newhall, Calif., native allowed eight runs in 8 ⅔ innings across three minor-league appearances, striking out eight in 4 ⅓ innings during his final rehab outing on July 3. Even with Glasnow's return, the Dodgers have several other pitchers still on the 60-day IL, including starters Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin and River Ryan . Relievers Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips and Kyle Hurt are also all on the 60-day IL. Despite the injury troubles and a four-game losing streak following Monday's 9-1 loss, the Dodgers are 56-36 and hold a six-game lead over the Giants in the NL West. Advertisement They clearly could use a pitching boost since they own the eighth-worst team ERA (4.36) this season, forcing the team's ultra-talented lineup to pick up the slack at the plate. Glasnow is slated to face Jose Quintana in the series finale.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Mets get much-needed boost to lineup as Jesse Winker returns from injured list
The New York Mets have swung their way out of their annual June swoon, winning back-to-back series against the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees to right the ship. Fittingly, the road will get a little easier now that the sky isn't falling. Three-game sets with the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals will precede the All-Star break, giving New York runway to reclaim first place in the NL East. Advertisement The Mets will have some reinforcements to help finish the first half on the right note. New York's designated hitters just got turned upside down A series of roster moves were announced before the Mets' trip to Baltimore. Outfielder Jesse Winker, the left-handed side of New York's DH platoon, was activated from the 60-day injured list. His counterpart, Starling Marte, in a corresponding move, was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right knee bruise. While the Mets won't be at full strength with Marte's absence, his placement was retroactive to July 7, which means he can return when New York plays host to the Cincinnati Reds to open the second half. Advertisement To his credit, Marte posted a .261 batting average against right-handed pitchers, exceeding expectations while Winker rehabbed from his oblique injury. Winker will slide in against righties, but the Mets may opt to maintain their platoon against lefties. MORE: Jeff McNeil's major adjustment helping fuel Mets Winker was treading around average when he went down in St. Louis. He brings ample pop from the left side, deepening a lineup that has hit some turbulence between injuries and inconsistencies in the bottom half of the order. His power comes and goes, but Winker has always been a good at-bat, controlling the strike zone and walking over 10% of the time. Swapping veteran outfielders wasn't the only move New York announced on Tuesday. Starting pitcher Tylor Megill, despite manager Carlos Mendoza's optimism, was placed on the 60-day injured list, pushing his return deep into August. Advertisement Southpaw Sean Manaea is yet to make his 2025 debut but is set to make a final rehab assignment in Syracuse on Tuesday. If all goes well, he could get some Major League innings in on Sunday. He'll be joining a pitching staff that is enduring constant turnover. New York announced that reliever Zach Pop, after just 1.1 innings of three-run ball, has been designated for assignment. Right-handed reliever Alex Carrillo will take his spot. He hasn't allowed a run in AAA after striking out nearly 14 per nine in AA. The Mets will hope to capture lightning in a bottle to give the bullpen some much-needed relief. New York also signed right-handed pitcher Junior Fernández to a minor-league deal in its perpetual search for MLB arms. With Winker back in the fold and pitching help on the way, the Mets are positioned well to get hot ahead of, and potentially through, the All-Star break. Advertisement MORE MLB NEWS
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Investigation finds Bay FC coach did not violate the NWSL's harassment and bullying policy
An independent investigation found that Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya did not violate the National Women's Soccer League's antiharassment, discrimination and bullying policy, but found shortcomings in his communication style. The investigation stemmed from a report in the San Francisco Chronicle in March that described a 'toxic' work environment. At least two formal complaints had been made about the team, the newspaper reported. Advertisement Montoya was investigated for alleged violations of the Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying. The findings were announced Tuesday. All parties cooperated with the investigation, which was conducted by New York-based law firm Debevoise & Plimpton. 'The league conducted a comprehensive review and determined Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya was not in violation of any league rules," Bay FC said in a statement in response to the league's announcement. "We are grateful the league has identified opportunities for additional communication improvements which we are, and have been, implementing. We strive to be a player-centric club and will continue to work hard to make sure we have a supportive environment for our players. We believe in the culture we are building at Bay FC and will continue to support our players' growth on and off the pitch.' Among the findings were recommendations to 'facilitate more effective communication and enhance support structures, which the NWSL, Bay FC and coach Montoya have taken, and are continuing to take, to address such concerns,' the league said. Advertisement The NWSL was rocked by an abuse and misconduct scandal in 2021. Five coaches resigned or were fired in the aftermath. In response, the NWSL implemented changes to protect players, including enhanced vetting of club employees and an anonymous tip line for players. The NWSL Players Association also negotiated safeguards in its collective-bargaining agreement with the league. ___ AP soccer: Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press
