The New York Mets have added a pair of relievers through trades as the MLB trade deadline approaches, yet their pursuit of roster enhancements continues.
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Mets are actively exploring both rotation and bullpen options even after their recent acquisitions.
“Mets continue to look at both rotation and pen even after acquiring two relievers,” Heyman reported on X.
This sentiment is echoed by fellow MLB insider Buster Olney, who noted in a recent ESPN article that the Mets remain proactive in seeking roster improvements.
“What you hear from other teams is that the New York Mets will continue to look for ways to round out their roster,” Olney stated.
Jeff Passan also highlighted that both the Mets and the New York Yankees are being associated with San Francisco Giants’ star pitcher Blake Snell, a crucial figure in the trade discussions leading up to the deadline.
“Fair or not, both teams are going to be tied to the biggest mystery this deadline: reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell,” Passan remarked.
As the Mets navigate the lead-up to the trade deadline, addressing their pitching needs remains paramount. With injuries impacting key players such as Kodai Senga and Christian Scott, securing a quality starter is critical.
Senga, sidelined with a calf strain, is on the 60-day injured list and may not return until the 2024 MLB playoffs, contingent on the Mets securing a postseason berth.
Currently, the Mets are 10 games behind the National League East leading Phillies but hold the third and final NL wild-card spot.
In their latest moves to strengthen the bullpen, the Mets acquired right-hander TJ Shook from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-hander Tyler Jay.
Additionally, they secured veteran reliever Ryne Stanek from the Seattle Mariners, who received minor league outfielder Rhylan Thomas in return.
Shook, 26, remains an unknown quantity at the major league level, having not played in Triple-A or the big leagues. Over four minor league seasons, he has posted a 4.77 ERA across 80 games (57 starts) and boasts a solid strikeout rate of 10.2 per nine innings.
Stanek, however, brings established experience, having pitched in the majors since 2017. In 46 appearances with the Mariners in 2024, the 33-year-old compiled a 6-3 record, a 4.95 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP, and a 4.02 FIP over 39.0 innings.
With the trade deadline looming, the Mets remain active in their efforts to enhance their roster and secure a postseason spot – something that not too long ago seemed improbable at best.