Mets have discussed trading Noah Syndergaard to Yankees

There’s a new general manager in Flushing, and that new GM is willing to consider dealing with the New York Yankees.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported on Monday that the New York Mets have discussed trading Noah Syndergaard to the Yankees as part of a 3-way deal involving Marlins catcher JT Realmuto. Multiple other reporters confirmed the possibility of the trade.

#Mets have discussed trade in which they would land J.T. Realmuto in three-team deal with #Yankees and #Marlins, sources tell The Athletic. Not known if Syndergaard involved. NYM would not part with Syndergaard (three years control) if getting only Realmuto (two years) in return.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018

#Mets have been in steady talks with #Yankees since Brodie Van Wagenen became GM, sources say. NY teams have not made trade involving major leaguers since 12/3/04 (Mike Stanton to NYY for Felix Heredia). @JonHeyman first noted possibility of NYY serving as conduit for Realmuto.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018

There seems to be a dual purpose to leaking this news: new GM Brodie Van Wagenen is making it clear to those in New York that they better be prepared for the possibility of a trade with the rival Yankees. Second, he seems to be making it clear that the team is open to trading Syndergaard. However, if the Mets are to trade Syndergaard, they reportedly would need a big haul.

Syndergaard was Van Wagenen’s client when he was an agent before taking the Mets GM job. The former All-Star is under team control for three more seasons, which makes him an extremely desirable trade target. The Mets are making moves aimed at contending next season, so trading away their best pitcher does not seem to make much sense.