The New York Mets have reportedly decided to keep three of their prized starting pitchers in hopes of contending next season.
The Mets are currently in last place in the National League East. Teams in that position often take on the role of “seller” at the trade deadline and deal their top players. Between Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Zack Wheeler, the Mets have three starting pitchers who would be coveted by other teams and could net a substantial return. However, New York has reportedly made the decision to keep all three a make a run at the division in 2019.
Mets will keep deGrom, Syndergaard through deadline b/c they don't want to rebuild–which is also part of reason why they aren't lowering price on Wheeler. They intend to contend next year, and will need to round out their rotation, and looks like Wheeler will be part of it.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 30, 2018
deGrom is putting together one of the more impressive pitching seasons in recent memory. Syndergaard, 25, is expected to return from the disabled list this week. When healthy, he has been extremely productive, posting a 2.89 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 74.2 innings. Wheeler has a 4.11 ERA with 116 strikeouts in 120.1 innings.
The Mets have been ravaged by injuries this season. Syndergaard, deGrom, Yoenis Cespedes, Michael Conforto, Jeurys Familia (since traded), Jay Bruce, and Todd Frazier have all spent time on the disabled list. It’s reasonable to think with better health next year, the Mets won’t find themselves at the bottom of the division as they are now.
