Sal still believes that the Mets core is "rotten," and changes have to be made to improve the leadership and culture in the clubhouse.
He says he would start by shipping out Jeff McNeil, and BT says he would welcome the former batting champion to the Bronx.
But what would he be willing to give up? Sal wondered if Gleyber Torres would do it, but BT balked, opining that Torres is clearly the better overall second baseman. But, if the Mets took on Giancarlo Stanton, then he would welcome the trade.
So, BT and Sal went over some particulars, figured out what the Yankees would eat of Stanton's contract to make it fair, and ironed out the particulars to a hypothetical deal.
"It would cost the Mets an additional $40 million to have Stanton for the next three years, and Torres just for this year," Sal said. "If the Yankees paid $36 million, send Stanton and Gleyber to the Mets, and they take on McNeil.
"I think we have a deal."
Sal would like the deal for the Mets, as it would address a DH need this year and shake up the clubhouse dynamic.
"I don't love Stanton as a player, but I don't love him as a player in particular for the Yankees," Sal said. "For the Mets, you'd be getting a guy for basically nothing. You're adding $40 million. All you're doing is getting rid of Jeff McNeil and you're changing the look of the lineup and the team.
"Even half of Stanton is better than anything the Mets are gonna trot out there. It's gonna be [Mark] Vientos anyway. Why not take a chance with Stanton? You're ridding yourself of McNeil. You have Gleyber as well. I love that deal from the Mets perspective."
