Here’s what you need to to know regarding the New York Mets.
Colorado and Toronto swap Tulo, Reyes
Early today, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that the Toronto Blue Jays & Colorado Rockies agreed on a trade, swapping All-Star shortstops Troy Tulowitzki and Jose Reyes. Rockies had also agreed to send veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins. The Blue Jays will send some pitching prospects to Colorado in the deal as well.
Jose Reyes is owed around $56 million through 2017 and Tulowitzki is owed around $94 million through 2020. All reports indicate that both clubs intend to take on the entirety of both players contracts.
How does this affect the New York Mets? The Mets and Sandy Alderson had contacted the Rockies and tried to reignite trade talks. But the Mets walked away from talks feeling that they had no plans to indeed move Tulowitzki — unless the deal would undeniably benefit their team.
This also re-opens the hearts and doors of some Mets fans for Jose Reyes, who the Mets didn’t re-sgin after the 2011 season. Reyes signed a 6-year, $106 million contract with the Miami Marlins in 2011. That marriage ended quickly as the Marlins moved Reyes to the Blue Jays. Now the shortstop is being moved for the third time in four years.
Putting things more into the microscope regarding jose Reyes, Andy Martino of the NY Daily News reported that the Blue Jays had “dangled Jose Reyes to everyone in baseball, including the Mets,” and New York didn’t bite.
Martino also reported that advanced metrics and the naked eye could see that Jose wasn’t making the plays that he used to and is becoming a defensive liability.
To add a little more to the story: Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports also reported that Troy Tulowitzki preferred to not be traded to the New York Mets.
Trade doesn’t make a lot of sense for the Blue Jays since they had the best offense in baseball before the Tulo deal. But Tulowitzki is an upgrade both offensively and defensively from Jose Reyes. So there has been speculation that the Blue Jays would move Tulo for some pitching. And for the Rockies, they do experience some financial relief, as Reyes’ is only under contract for two more seasons and still get a formidable shortstop.
Only time will tell.
Mets acquire Tyler Clippard
Mets have found another way to upgrade their roster. Mets have acquired Athletics closer Tyler Clippard and cash for minor league prospect Casey Meisner. The trade bolsters the Mets bullpen and gives Terry Collins another arm to work with out of the bullpen.
Clippard, 30, has a 2.79 ERA in 30 appearances for the Athletics this season. Clippard, in a two-time All-Star, has a career 2.65 ERA in seven seasons as a reliever. This season hasn’t been Clippard’s best as he is posting career low’s in strikeouts and highs in walk rates. But regardless, Clippard is a significant upgrade from some of the other arms in the mets bullpen.
Secondly, if the Mets do make the playoffs, Jenrry Mejia will be ineligible to pitch in the postseason because of his PED suspension and Clippard give the Mets another righty in the pen to replace Mejia in that case.
The deal seems to be a win for the Mets, as Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News mentioned that while speaking to a scout in the division, “Clippard trade was a steal. He was not high on the prospect and can’t believe Mets got money for him too.”
With the additions of Juan Uribe and Kellu Johnson and the call-up of top prospect Michael Conforto, the Mets have made small moves to bring depth and major league talent to their roster.
Zach Wheeler Throws For First Time Since TJ
Lost in all of the hype surrounding the rest of the Mets starting pitchers, the acquisitions of Kelly Johnson, Juan Uribe, and the call-up of Conforto, is Zach Wheeler who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Zach underwent Tommy John surgery in March.
Zach began a rehab throwing program in St. Lucie, Florida, on Monday that involved just a simple catch-and-throw session. It was reported that Zach was pain-free after the session.
Fred Kerber of the NY Daily News reported what Zach had to say following the brief throwing session:
“Everything went well this morning. Threw 30 throws total. Fifteen to get out to 60 feet then another 15 once I was there at 60. Felt strong and pain-free. Been working my butt off in the weight room, so this day was rewarding.”
Zach Wheeler isn’t expected to return until next season. Assuming that a deal isn’t made for Wheeler, he will just add to a Mets rotation that is regarded as one of, if not the best in the MLB that features Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Steven Matz.
Travis d’Arnaud participates in rehab games
In late June, Travis d’Arnaud suffered a left elbow strain that left him no choice but to be sidelined again due to injury.
On Sunday, d’Arnaud went 2-5 with a run scored as the designated hitter for AA Binghamton. All indications point to d’Arnaud catching a 9-inning game at which point the Mets would most likely call him back up the majors which could come as early as the end of this week.
D’Arnaud has struggled to stay healthy this season but is batting.273, with a .873 OPS in 19 games this year with the Mets.
David Wright Closer To Baseball Activities — Join Team in NY
David Wright seems to be inching closer to a return. Wright hit the DL, with a hamstring injury. After reporting some back pains, Wright had been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, an injury that many thought would signal the last time we see David Wright this season.
David Wright is expected to rejoin the team shortly, Terry Collins said on Sunday: “David has been simulating baseball activities. He’s been doing some running, doing some light hitting. Hopefully this week he starts baseball activities.”
According to ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin who covers the Mets:
David Wright expected to join Mets at Citi Field (for baseball activity, not activation) on Tuesday or Wednesday.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) July 27, 2015
There is still no timeline for David Wright’s return. However, the Captain finally joining the team and beginning some light activity is a step forward in a process that had remained stagnant for some time.
