After all that, Noah Syndergaard could be staying with the Mets.
The latest from WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman is that the Padres made a strong offer for Syndergaard, but were unable to find any common ground with New York. The two teams have been engaged in discussions about Syndergaard for months, yet still nothing is close to being agreed.
ESPN's Jeff Passan isn't convinced Syndergaard's tenure with the Mets is coming to an end either. Passan believes general manager Brodie Van Wagenen's asking price has teams "balking at the price" for Syndergaard, who has two more years of arbitration before hitting free agency in 2022.
Syndergaard continues to show his humor throughout the process, changing his Twitter bio to "Pitcher for the New York Mets, for now."
What About Wheeler?
Zack Wheeler has likely pitched his final game at Citi Field.
Wheeler struck out seven batters through 5.1 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July. 26, improving to 7-6. He received an ovation from the Mets faithful, who are familiar with the rumors that have surrounded the pitcher over the past few weeks.
The Georgia native is under contract through the 2019 season, making $5.975 million before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. There is still a possibility the Mets could offer Wheeler an extension at one point, but it's looking less likely entering the trade deadline. Wheeler has attracted the attention of a slew of American League clubs, including the Houston Astros.
According to SNY's Andy Martino, the expectation is that Wheeler will be dealt to Houston to join an already impressive rotation consisting of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Wade Miley.
Rival exec: "Fully expect" Astros to get WheelerOther sources do note Braves, Brewers, maybe Yanks and A's involved
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 30, 2019WFAN's Jon Heyman reports that Wheeler, not Noah Syndergaard, will be the player that the Mets will move.
Mets still engaged on Syndergaard (who's been linked to SD, Hou, NYY, Oak and Minn) but still seem much more likely to deal Wheeler. Makes sense. Stroman trade highlighted Mets interest in 2020; Noah under control thru 2021, Wheeler a FA after year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019Diaz Done In NY?
Edwin Diaz was a key piece in one of Brodie Van Wagenen's first monumental moves during the offseason. Van Wagenen invested two of the Mets' top prospects - Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn – in a package for the All-Star closer. One season removed from posting a career-high 57 saves, Diaz looks to be on the trade market.
Diaz, who has 23 saves entering July 30, generated interest from a handful of teams. He is an ideal option for teams in desperate need of help in the bullpen. The Boston Red Sox were expected to be one of the clubs in the running for the reliever.
ESPN's Buster Olney speculated the asking price for the Mets are outfielders Andrew Benintendi or Jackie Bradley Jr. Benintendi has three more years of arbitration on his contract, while Bradley Jr. has one year remaining on his current deal. The Mets were also rumored to acquire prospect Bobby Dalbec from the Red Sox, according to Olney. Dalbec is batting .230 with 20 home runs and 52 RBI for Portland (AA). Boston, however, seemingly pulled out of the Diaz sweepstakes, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Boston Globe's Alex Speier.
Sources echo what @alexspeier reported earlier: #Mets' Díaz unlikely for #RedSox. Team focused on lesser names in quest for bullpen help.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2019Olney also links Diaz as a possible trade candidate for the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose bullpen has a 4.12 ERA.
.@Buster_ESPN just said on @GetUpESPN that the Sox May have to give up either Andrew Benintendi or Jackie Bradley, Jr. to get Diaz.
The Mets already traded Jason Vargas within the division to the Phillies. They could deal Diaz to another division rival as well.
The Mets are continuing to evaluate the Braves' top prospects. Edwin Diaz appears to be a more likely target than Syndergaard. Wheeler is also in play at a lesser cost. Our @mike_petriello analyzed Diaz in this story yesterday https://t.co/ztAYmoLaz3
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 30, 2019The Mets already began their approach to the deadline. First acquiring Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays, before dealing Vargas to the Phillies. Who's next to be on the move?
