Could the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, longtime NL East rivals, put their differences aside for a trade that benefits both teams? While rare, history shows they’ve struck deals before—most recently in July 2019 when the Mets sent pitcher Jason Vargas to the Phillies for minor league catcher Austin Bossart.
There have also been more significant trades between the two franchises:
- July 2001: The Mets traded relievers Turk Wendell and Dennis Cook to Philadelphia in exchange for starter Bruce Chen and minor league pitcher Adam Walker.
- June 1989: New York sent outfielder Lenny Dykstra and relievers Roger McDowell and Tom Edens to the Phillies for All-Star second baseman Juan Samuel.
- December 1974: Philadelphia acquired future World Series-winning closer Tug McGraw, along with Don Hahn and Dave Schneck, in exchange for Del Unser, John Stearns, and Mac Scarce.
Now, an MLB insider has floated a new trade proposal between the two clubs. While it may not match the impact of past deals, it could still prove mutually beneficial.
MLB insider: Phillies trade pitcher Taijuan Walker to Mets for outfielder Starling Marte
Would a Phillies-Mets Trade Actually Make Sense?
Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber recently floated an intriguing, yet unlikely, trade proposal: the Phillies sending pitcher Taijuan Walker to the Mets in exchange for outfielder Starling Marte.
While Lauber himself doubts the deal would materialize, the logic is sound. The Mets need rotation help, with both Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea set to start the season on the injured list. Meanwhile, the Phillies could use a right-handed outfield bat, especially with Weston Wilson sidelined and Johan Rojas nursing a shoulder injury.
Walker’s Fit in New York
Walker, who originally signed with Philadelphia after two seasons with the Mets, is coming off a disastrous 2024 campaign (7.10 ERA in 19 games). He lost his rotation spot and has been left off the Phillies’ postseason roster the last two years. With Jesus Luzardo now in the fold and Andrew Painter expected to join the rotation this summer, Walker doesn’t have a clear role in Philly. However, he was solid in his previous stint with the Mets, throwing 316 1/3 innings with a 3.98 ERA and earning an All-Star nod in 2021.
Marte’s Fit in Philadelphia
Marte, now the Mets’ fourth outfielder, remains effective against left-handed pitching (.310 average, .884 OPS in 2024). The Phillies could use him in a platoon with Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh, giving them much-needed depth.
Financial Side of the Deal
Both players have similar contracts—Walker is owed $36 million over the next two seasons ($18M per year), while Marte will make $19.5 million in 2025 before hitting free agency. If the Phillies were willing to cover Walker’s 2026 salary or throw in a mid-level prospect, the deal could make financial sense.
Will It Happen?
Probably not. Intra-division trades are rare, especially between rivals like the Phillies and Mets. But on paper, the swap would help both teams address immediate roster needs.
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