Luis Robert Jr., Clay Holmes Generating Trade Interest

[Matthew Lenz]

 

As the New York Mets' disappointing season trudges along, rumors will begin to get rampant as we are less than two weeks away from the trade deadline. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic provided an update on two players who may be moved at the trade deadline. 

Rosenthal reported that there "is preliminary interest from multiple teams" on outfielder Luis Robert Jr. He went on to report that "While the possibility remains that the Mets and Clay Holmes agree to an extension, there’s a significantly greater likelihood of a trade..."

Robert Jr, 28, has been limited to 26 unproductive games so far this season. He's carrying a .648 OPS with three home runs and two stolen bases. While his hard-hit rate is respectable, his barrel and sweet spot rates don't indicate bad luck as his BABIP may suggest. That, coupled with injuries and the impending lockout (though he does have a team option for 2027), may limit the return he would generate in any deal.

Holmes, who has also dealt with injuries this season, has been far more productive when he's been healthy. He's pitched to a 2.39 ERA (3.22 FIP) despite just a 12.5% K-BB rate. Despite the solid surface stats and FIP, his peripherals suggest that his upside is limited as a front-end starter. Undoubtedly, a contending team would love to have them as their 2nd or 3rd arm in the rotation. Not to mention, he has experience as a high-leverage reliever on a playoff team if a contender decides to move him back to the bullpen for the short term. Like Robert, he has a team option in 2027.

Do you think the Mets should trade either player? Join the conversation in the comments!

 

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[Benjamin Grimm]

Keep Holmes if he's will to sign an extension.

Trade Robert for whatever you can get.

[MFS62]

What he said.

Later

[whippoorwill]

I don’t like trading guys who are good to someone else. 

[The Hot Corner]

Hard for me to imagine there is much interest in Robert Jr, but I would move him is a heartbeat.  

The Mets best chips are likely the pitching.  Where Minter, Reley, Brazoban, and Weaver could likely bring decent returns.  I hate the annual tearing down of the bullpen and trying to rebuild it again every offseason, but this is where the Mets have value as sellers. 

Holmes would be worth resigning, but is otherwise our best trading chip of the starters.  Peralta should be moved, though I don't see him bringing back much other than mid level prospect.

I don't see Bichette as a bust.  He has acclimated to third as well as should have been hoped.  He got off to a horrendously slow start.  His line since June 1st is .307/.344/.464/.808.  Even with his slow start he is hitting .263/.337/.400/.737 with RISP for the season.  Is he overpaid, yes I think so.  However, he is not the reason for the Mets lack of offense.  If he can be traded, for a solid prospect then fine, but I doubt it.

We are stuck with Semien, Baty, and Vientos.  I would move Polanco if at all possible, but I don't see that happening.

Alvarez could potentially bring back a decent return from a contender in need of catching, but then either Torrens because your starter or the Mets need to fill the catching position in the off season.

If the Mets are to acquire players that can help contribute next year, they will almost assuredly have to dismantle much of the bullpen.

If being sellers means we trade for a prospects that are 2-3 years away, then I really don't see the point of trading usable pieces that are under contract for next season.  

[Benjamin Grimm]

5 minutes ago, The Hot Corner said:

If being sellers means we trade for a prospects that are 2-3 years away, then I really don't see the point of trading usable pieces that are under contract for next season.  

That's where I am too. 

Minter and Raley are upcoming free agents, so trading them isn't necessarily counterproductive. But if Weaver or Brazoban go, it should be for players who can help in 2027, because Weaver and Brazoban can.

[The Hot Corner]

11 minutes ago, Benjamin Grimm said:

That's where I am too. 

Minter and Raley are upcoming free agents, so trading them isn't necessarily counterproductive. But if Weaver or Brazoban go, it should be for players who can help in 2027, because Weaver and Brazoban can.

We are on the same page.  Now, we have to wait to see Steans' position?  

[smg58]

You take what you can get for the impending free agents.

Holmes: The injury has to cap his value.  I'm willing to gamble that we wouldn't significantly beat the draft pick that would come with a QO, and then try to talk things out with him.

Weaver: He's pitching over his head, and he won't be that hard to replace.  

[Edgy MD]

4 hours ago, Benjamin Grimm said:

But if Weaver or Brazoban go, it should be for players who can help in 2027, because Weaver and Brazoban can.

How about for players who have a higher value than those of Raley and Minter and other one-year guys, but still might be a year or two off?

Because those two certainly do have 2027 value, but free agents from this offseason can offset that loss.