Trio Of Mets Studs Reportedly On Trade Block Signaling End Of 2023 Failed Experiment

What's next for the Mets after a disappointing 2023 season?

The New York Mets could look pretty different after the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline passes. 

New York entered the 2023 campaign widely expected to finish near the top of the National League East standings and maybe even compete for a World Series title but things haven't shaken out as expected. The Mets currently are in fourth place in the NL East at 46-53 and likely will be sellers in some capacity ahead of the trade deadline. 

Although the Mets likely won't be full-on sellers and deal superstar duo Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander, they most likely will deal some veterans for prospects while lowering cost. New York currently has the highest payroll in all of baseball but it unfortunately hasn't worked out this season. Three players that reportedly could be dealt are relief pitchers David Robertson and Brooks Raley as well as starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden. 

"Robertson and Raley have significant trade value at the deadline because they are two of the better relievers who could get traded," Bowden said. "Robertson has posted a 2.08 ERA in 39 appearances and converted 14 of 17 save opportunities. Raley, a lefty, has a 2.08 ERA in 42 appearances, although he’s not a left-handed specialist as he’s gotten out righty hitters more frequently than lefty hitters this season. Righties are hitting .164 against him, while lefties are hitting .254. (Over his career, it’s reversed, as righties have hit .244 against him and lefties have hit .190.) Robertson should bring back two mid-level prospects in a trade, and Raley should bring back one.

"As far as Carrasco, he’s 36 years old with a 5.82 ERA in 14 starts and he’s carrying his lowest strikeout rate (6.6 strikeouts per nine innings) in a decade. His walk rate, at 4.0 per nine, is his worst since 2009. However, Carrasco is generally capable of providing at least four innings per start, which he has done in all but two outings this year. So, perhaps a team that needs a fifth or sixth starter might take a chance on him if the Mets pay most of his $14 million salary and accept a fringe player and a non-prospect type back."

It wouldn't be surprising to see any of the trio dealt ahead of the trade deadline. Both Robertson and Carrasco are set to be free agents at the end of the season so it's unclear whether or not they will be back in New York next season anyway. Raley is under team control until 2025 so he likely could have solid trade value. At this point, it seems likely the Mets in some way will turn their focus to the 2024 campaign so it wouldn't be too surprising to see some moves shortly.