David Stearns may be planning some strategic moves before the trade deadline this summer, considering both selling a starting pitcher and aiming to stay competitive for a playoff berth. The notion of the New York Mets trading Luis Severino seems out of the question, but Sean Manaea could be a more feasible option for many. Jose Quintana would likely have plenty of suitors interested.
All three veterans are on expiring contracts, with Manaea having a player option for next year, making them prime candidates to be traded. If the Mets are serious about trading one of them while also pushing for a Wild Card spot, these three players make the most logical choices.
Crucially, none of these players would face the Mets in the postseason unless it’s a potential World Series matchup, suggesting a preference for trading them to American League teams.
1) Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles actually have one of the better starting staffs in MLB this season. Anchored by Corbin Burnes at the top, their problem has been keeping guys healthy. John Means and Tyler Wells were already lost for the year. Kyle Bradish was the latest to join them.
This hasn’t stopped the Orioles from winning and making New York Yankees fans sweat. From top to bottom, this feels like a team that could win it all. Some starting pitching reinforcements, however, might be necessary to get through the last three months of the season.
The best fit for Baltimore is probably Severino whose upside and familiarity with the American League must have some sort of advantage. Severino pitching against the Chicago Cubs instead of his former Yankees club this week is surely disappointing for everyone. This includes the Orioles who’d probably like to know what he could do against their biggest competition. Then again, the Yankees not getting a close look at Severino might work to everyone’s advantage.
In either case, the Orioles probably don’t want Quintana. Manaea might be someone they’d consider. Severino is a match.
2) Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are looking to bolster their position in contention, particularly because their offense lacks real spark and their starting rotation, aside from Joey Ryan and Simeon Woods Richardson, hasn’t met expectations.
To improve, the Twins could benefit from adding depth to their starting pitching. Both Pablo Lopez and Chris Paddack have struggled, and Bailey Ober, their weakest starter with options in the minors, could be displaced if Minnesota pursues a trade with the Mets for a starting pitcher at the deadline.
Jose Quintana represents a potential upgrade for the Twins, offering a left-handed option they currently lack. Swapping Quintana for Ober might not be far-fetched; Quintana’s experience in critical games could benefit a rotation lacking in that area.
Moreover, if Quintana fits, so would Sean Manaea, another left-handed option. Either pitcher could bolster the Twins’ chances of making a playoff push.
3) Cleveland Guardians
North of Minnesota in the United States, there isn’t much else. Within the American League Central, the Minnesota Twins find themselves looking up at the Cleveland Guardians. Despite not having Shane Bieber available for the season, the Guardians have once again defied expectations and emerged as playoff contenders.
However, starting pitching remains a weak spot for the Guardians. Ben Lively has delivered the best performance among their starters, while the team heavily relies on a strong bullpen anchored by closer Emmanuel Clase to secure victories.
Carlos Carrasco, who struggled with the Mets last season and continues to struggle this year with a 5.40 ERA, is still a part of their pitching staff. Any of the three starting pitchers from the Mets who are available for trade would likely represent an improvement over him for the Guardians. Given Cleveland’s financial constraints and their team identity, the Mets might need to cover some of the salary.
Of the Mets’ potential trade candidates, Sean Manaea could be particularly well-suited for Cleveland. While there are concerns about his endurance, this may be less critical for the Guardians, who rely heavily on their bullpen. Manaea’s player option for next year, valued at $13.5 million, could either strengthen or complicate negotiations. This amount is considered favorable compared to many other pitchers’ salaries, which could appeal to the budget-conscious Guardians, as their highest-paid player besides Jose Ramirez earns just over $7 million.
Creativity will likely play a role in reaching a deal with Cleveland. Involving Myles Straw and his owed salary of over $13 million could help balance the financial aspects and facilitate a trade, given careful negotiation and patience.
