The condition of these four Mets players on the injured list might influence their decisions at the trade deadline.
The New York Mets are firmly committed to being buyers at the trade deadline, and this direction is unlikely to change. What may vary is their prioritization of needs.
Bullpen assistance is essential, regardless of the state of the injured list. However, other needs may also become crucial. The Mets are currently dealing with several injuries, and like everyone over the age of 30, health issues are common. The condition of these four Mets players could influence the team’s decisions on who to add to the roster in the upcoming week.
1) Starling Marte
We’ve been in this situation before—it’s like a replay of 2022. Starling Marte was performing well for the Mets until he landed on the IL. The team’s right fielder, at least by title, is deteriorating before our eyes. While he should return eventually, the latest updates aren’t promising, and there’s no set timetable for his comeback. He’s currently in the “feeling good” stage without any actual rehab assignment on the horizon.
Starling Marte, asked where he's at in his rehab process, says he received good news from doctors yesterday: "I think I'm close"
Marte also explained that he needs to get back into rhythm before he returns to action pic.twitter.com/yFom5CldxE
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 20, 2024
Because of this, the Mets need to look for upgrades. Jeff McNeil is a solid option in right field if his hitting improves, and Jose Iglesias is a reliable starting second baseman even if he cools off.
However, the Mets should still seek an outfielder, as the roster spots held by DJ Stewart and Ben Gamel are both weak and redundant. They shouldn’t aim for a high-profile player like Luis Robert Jr. but rather someone like Kevin Pillar, Tommy Pham, or Mark Canha. They need an offense-first player, with Tyrone Taylor serving as the defensive backup he was intended to be.
2) Kodai Senga
Will Kodai Senga return to form and finish the season more like Carlos Carrasco in 2021 or José Quintana in 2023? Perhaps somewhere in between? Last season, he was outstanding for the Mets, but we should expect slow progress once he finally returns from his season-long IL stint.
Carlos Mendoza says "everything is positive" following Kodai Senga's rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse yesterday
"Hopefully he's with us next time out… If he's good, there's a good chance he'll pitch Friday." pic.twitter.com/IHRBjQAs0Q
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 21, 2024
It’s crucial for the Mets to gather as much information as possible from Senga about how he’s feeling in the coming days. They need to determine if they can either trade a different starting pitcher or need to acquire someone else.
As someone who believes the Mets shouldn’t trade a starting pitcher and would benefit from acquiring one, getting honest feedback from Senga about his condition heading into the trade deadline is vital. If he starts on Friday, it will provide an opportunity to see how he performs in a significant game against major league competition.
Senga will only get one start before the trade deadline. Scheduled to pitch on Friday against the Atlanta Braves, the outcome of that appearance and his post-game health will give the Mets critical information.
A productive Senga could be key for the Mets’ postseason chances. The rotation needs a true number one pitcher, and Senga has the potential to be that guy.
3) Reed Garrett
Reed Garrett has been a major success story for the Mets this season, but he hit the IL just before the All-Star Break. Despite showing less impressive numbers recently, Garrett is expected to return as one of the team’s most reliable relievers, even if the roster sees significant changes. The latest update on Garrett was positive but didn’t specify his return date. In the meantime, the Mets have effectively utilized pitchers like Dedniel Nunez and Jose Butto as multi-inning bullpen options. Garrett’s injury, likely due to overuse and pitching on consecutive days, suggests the team should be cautious with their other pitchers.
Carlos Mendoza says Reed Garrett is "feeling a lot better" but doesn't know exactly when he'll be back: pic.twitter.com/CTKHmvkSBR
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 20, 2024
Garrett won’t return before the trade deadline, but his availability offers the team some flexibility with minor league options and potential trade pieces. If Garrett recovers quickly, the Mets might reconsider overpaying for a relief pitcher. They hope to have a clearer idea of his return timeline next week, ahead of the trade deadline.
4) Sean Reid-Foley
It has been over a month since Sean Reid-Foley last pitched for the Mets, and updates on his progress have been scarce, mostly noting his optimism as he runs in a Relentless Optimism shirt.
Reid-Foley is among the surprisingly effective pitchers for the Mets this year, along with Garrett. Despite a small sample size of 21.2 innings, his impressive 1.66 ERA makes fans eager to see more of him.
Sean Reid-Foley donning a "Relentless Optimism" shirt as he works towards his return pic.twitter.com/lxvKNmseiB
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 20, 2024
While Reid-Foley might not be the first name that comes to mind for trade deadline plans, consider this: he has been outstanding against left-handed hitters this season, holding them to just 4 hits in 30 at-bats, with only one double for extra bases. In fact, he has allowed just two extra-base hits all season, with a .133/.270/.167 slash line from lefties. Instead of overpaying for a left-handed reliever, the Mets could utilize Reid-Foley in that role.
Although his reverse splits weren’t consistent last year, he was still effective against left-handed hitters in a limited sample of 18 plate appearances. The Mets might want to take a cue from Joey Tribbiani and ask Reid-Foley, “How you doin’?” before deciding their next move.
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