The New York Mets traded left-hander Steven Matz to the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a four-player deal. The Blue Jays announced the deal Wednesday night.
The deal, which makes a spot in the Mets turn and clears Matz’s $ 5.2 million salary for 2021, could predict a more serious pursuit of free agent and current Cy Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer.
Matz (29) comes from a shortened 2020 season in which he struggled on a 9.68 ERA in 30 2/3 overs. Matz managed to make 14 home races over the period. Over the course of his career, he has been about an average pitcher with a 91 ERA + and a 3.07 K / BB ratio over parts of six major league seasons. Matz has a long history of elbow and shoulder problems, and he has never scored a qualifying number of innings in a season. That said, the Blue Jays, as commendable as they have been this season, need rotation depth, and Matz addresses the need.
Right-hander Josh Winckowski is one of the players returning to the Mets in the deal. Winckowski (22) is a former 15th player who has a ratio of 3.35 and 2.76 K / BB in four minor league seasons. Of his 54 minor matches, 50 are at the start. Right-handed Sean Reid-Foley (age 25, 4.40 ERA and 1.58 K / BB ratio in 13 MLB starts and eight relief) and Yennsy Diaz (24 years, No. 26 on MLB.com’s list of the Jays ‘) top prospects) are also heading for the Mets in the trade.
As noted above, the Mets could clear the decks for a possible Bauer signing. The 30-year-old Bauer is by far the most sought-after arm on the free agent market for 2020-21, and his addition to the turn behind the bait, Jacob deGrom, would be a huge blessing to the Mets’ hopes in 2021 and beyond.
Speaking of, SNY’s Andy Martino reported that Mets’ offer to Bauer is for four years or less and not at levels that would set the record for the highest annual salary (currently Gerrit Cole’s $ 36 million). However, according to Martino, the offer includes at least one opt-out, which would contribute to Bauer’s potential desire to sign short-term deals. Given the turmoil, the Mets’ willingness to invest in the roster under new owner Steve Cohen, and now the Matz exchange, they should be considered the forerunners for Bauer’s services.