The New York Mets have always been a team that is willing to take risks in order to win. Over the years, they have made some bold moves, often involving their top prospects, in an effort to strengthen their roster and make a push for the playoffs. However, these moves have not always paid off, leading to a reputation for being a team that sacrifices the future for short-term success.
One of the most infamous examples of this pattern is the trade of Scott Kazmir in 2004. At the time, Kazmir was considered one of the top pitching prospects in the Mets’ organization. However, in a controversial move, the Mets traded him to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for veteran pitcher Victor Zambrano. The trade was met with criticism from fans and analysts alike, as Kazmir went on to have a successful career while Zambrano struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
More recently, in 2021, the Mets once again made a trade involving a top prospect. This time, it was Pete Crow-Armstrong, a highly touted outfielder, who was sent to the Chicago Cubs for veteran outfielder Javy Baez. The move was made in an effort to bolster the Mets’ lineup for a midseason push, but ultimately, the team fell short of their playoff aspirations. This trade, along with others in the past, has raised questions about the Mets’ strategy of trading away top prospects for short-term gains.
However, as the trade deadline looms, there is a new development that may change the perception of the Mets’ approach to trading prospects. According to MLB insider reports, the Mets have created a list of “untouchables” within their organization. These are players that the team deems too valuable to trade, no matter the potential return.
This list includes top prospects such as shortstop Ronny Mauricio, catcher Francisco Alvarez, and pitcher Matthew Allan. These players have been highly touted within the organization and are seen as key pieces for the Mets’ future success. By designating them as untouchables, the Mets are sending a clear message that they are committed to building a strong foundation for sustained success, rather than sacrificing it for short-term gains.
This shift in strategy is a positive sign for Mets fans who have grown tired of seeing top prospects traded away. It shows that the organization is learning from past mistakes and is focused on building a strong and sustainable team for years to come. It also reflects a growing trend in baseball, where teams are placing a higher value on developing and retaining their own talent rather than relying on trades and free agency.
Of course, this does not mean that the Mets will never make a trade involving top prospects again. As with any team, there may be situations where a trade makes sense for both the short and long-term success of the team. But the fact that the Mets have created an “untouchables” list shows that they are being more selective and strategic in their approach to trading prospects.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Mets will undoubtedly be involved in discussions and rumors surrounding potential trades. But with their new focus on developing and retaining top prospects, it is unlikely that we will see any major moves involving these untouchables. This should give Mets fans confidence that the team is committed to building a strong and successful team for years to come.
In conclusion, while the Mets may have had a reputation for sacrificing their top prospects in the past, it seems that they have learned from their mistakes and are now focused on building a strong foundation for sustained success. The creation of an “untouchables” list is a positive sign for the organization and its fans, and it shows that they are committed to building a team that can compete for years to come. As the trade deadline looms, it will be interesting to see how this new strategy plays out for the Mets and their future success.
