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Breaking down the Mets-Mariners Trade


Pending physical, the Mets have completed a franchise-altering trade with the Seattle Mariners, the first under Brodie Van Wagenen:

The Trade

Mets receive:

2B Robinson Cano ($120M left on the deal over 5 years)

RHP Edwin Díaz

$20M

Mariners receive:

OF Jay Bruce ($28M left on deal)

RHP Anthony Swarzak ($8.5M left on deal)

RHP Gerson Bautista

RHP Justin Dunn (#4 Prospect)

OF Jarred Kelenic (#3 Prospect)

This is a huge trade, as Brodie is already showing the willingness to trade away top prospects in order to win now. In the trade, the Mets are taking on approximately $63.5M more over the next 5 years after getting rid of Bruce and Swarzak's deals, as well as receiving $20M for Cano's deal. The real reason the Mets were likely willing to take on the money was to receive heralded all-star closer, Edwin Díaz. Díaz is an absolutely electric closer, as he compiled a 1.97 ERA with 57 saves and 124 strikeouts. His FIP of 1.61 was an indication that he was even better than his ERA suggested.

As for what the Mets gave up, there is no question that trading Jay Bruce and Anthony Swarzak's contracts was a good move for Brodie, especially if the Mets truly are looking at some of the free agent outfielders or another starting pitcher. The problem with the deal is the inclusion of prospects Justin Dunn and Jarred Kelenic, particularly Kelenic. Justin Dunn was selected with the 19th pick in the 1st round of the 2016 MLB draft, and posted a 3.59 ERA between A+ and AA, and has the stuff to make an impact in an MLB rotation, with a 93-95 MPH fastball, and a nice slider. Kelenic is the real sticking point, as when the Mets drafted Kelenic 6th overall in the MLB draft, the Mets believed there was potential for Kelenic to be a five-tool player. In Jarred's short time in rookie ball, he slashed .286/.371/.468 with a .839 OPS, with 6 home runs and 42 runs batted in to go with 15 stolen bases. Kelenic showed raw power and above-average speed, and also has a solid arm, supporting a potential move to a corner outfield spot should the Mariners need that to occur.

There's no guarantee that Kelenic winds up being the kind of player that everyone thinks that he will become, but a young player with the talent that he has should have been valued much more than the Mets valued him. Even though the Mets received a former all-star in Robinson Cano and a stud all-star reliever in Edwin Díaz, there's a chance the Mets will regret trading Kelenic, as he appears to have a very bright future. Only time will tell, as Brodie is sure to have more deal in the works very soon.

What do you think of the deal? Let me know down below!

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