The Mets look a little different today than they did this time last week, thanks to a couple of trades made by General Manager Sandy Alderson. The big-league Mets now have some relief help and a couple of reliable bench players, which is good news for their push towards the post-season. But how do these moves affect the minor league system, and who is left in the Mets coffers to swing a deal for that outfielder everyone says they’re chasing? Let’s catch up with the Mets minor league system. Here’s how they look this week.
Signings and Roster Moves
7/24: The Mets called OF Michael Conforto up from Double-A Binghamton. Michael Cuddyer was sent to the disabled list (retroactive to July 22) to make room.
– That same day, they moved David Wright to the 60-day disabled list (he was previously on the 15-day DL)
– Rafael Montero was also moved from the 15-day DL to the 60-day. He has right rotator cuff inflammation.
– The Mets traded RHP John Gant and RHP Rob Whalen to Atlanta. They got back 3B Juan Uribe and LF Kelly Johnson, as well as some cash.
7/25: The Mets activated Uribe and Johnson, the players they traded for the day before.
– The Mets sent 3B Johnny Muno back down to Las Vegas to make room for Uribe.
– LF John Mayberry Jr. was designated for assignment to make room for Johnson.
– C Travis D’Arnaud started his rehab assignment at Double-A Binghamton.
– The Mets promoted RHP Logan Verrett from Triple-A Las Vegas.
– LHP Jon Niese (who has been with Las Vegas) went on the paternity list.
– The Mets sent 3B Johnny Muno back down to Las Vegas.
7/27: The Mets moved RHP Erik Goeddel from the 15-day to the 60-day DL. He has a right elbow strain.
– The Mets traded for RHP Tyler Clippard, the Oakland closer. New York gave up RHP Casey Meisner. The Mets got cash in the deal as well.
– RF Cesar Puello was sent to the Gulf Coast League on a rehab assignment.
7/28: The Mets sent Logan Verrett back down to Las Vegas.
– The Mets signed 1B Vince Belnome to a minor league deal.
– Tyler Clippard, who the Mets got via trade the day before, was activated.
– Jenrry Mejia was placed on the restricted list (he’s been hit with a 162-game PED suspension).
– The Mets activated Jonathan Niese from the paternity list.
Around the Minors
The Las Vegas 51s dropped an away series to Reno, going 1-3 in the four-game series. They put things together on Tuesday, though, winning in Sacramento by a whopping 12 runs (the final score was 14-2). Over in Binghamton, the Mets Double-A squad has gone 3-2 over the same stretch.
Because of the trades, the Mets minors lost a few prospects. Right-handers John Gant and Rob Whalen were traded for Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson. Of those, Gant is the better pitching prospect. His fastball velocity is up, and he could pan out as a starter at some point down the line – though he’s likely a back-of-the-rotation guy.
RHP Casey Meisner, who was traded for Oakland’s Tyler Clippard, was down in St. Lucie at the time of the trade. He’s a decent prospect, but his future is probably as a middle reliever. Whatever upside he has, though, now belongs to Oakland. At just 20 years old, it’s hard to say what Meisner will someday be.
Other News
The Mets made some moves this week, but it’s not at all clear that they’re done. The team is said to still be looking for outfield help, which could mean that another trade is in the worst. Possible targets include the Reds’ Jay Bruce, and the Padres’ Will Venable. At the top of the list was the Brewers Carlos Gomez but that deal fell apart at the 12th hour.
Who is left in the Mets farm system to trade? Well, most of their top prospects, actually. Alderson’s two moves were hardly blockbusters, and he’s managed to hold onto his top hitting prospects (Brandon Nimmo, Gavin Cecchini Amed Rosario, and Dominic Smith). Pitching prospects (like RHP Michael Fulmer) also remain in the system, and could be a part of a deal for a major-league hitter.
