A simple Mets-Yankees transaction that benefits both Big Apple teams.
Which New York team has said no to this trade?
This week, the New York Mets and New York Yankees will square off at Citi Field in the first installment of the 2024 Subway Series. The two Big Apple clubs are not used to trading on a regular basis. However, there have been a few moves between the two clubs in recent years, including one only a few weeks ago when the Yankees sent catcher Luis Torrens to the Mets for cash. Thank you again, Brian Cashman.
How about a bigger deal? This one-for-one trade would assist both teams satisfy a current need.
The Mets and Yankees each gain something significant from this transaction.
The Mets lose their best left-handed bat off the bench, but given his limits to just facing right-handed pitchers, he appears replaceable. Give Brett Baty another opportunity. If you’re going to play Jeff McNeil, make him a backup outfielder and give Jose Iglesias more opportunities at second base. The Yankees did just call up rookie Ben Rice to cover Anthony Rizzo’s spot at first base. A trade for former Met J.D. Davis suggests a regular platoon at first base.
Stewart isn’t necessary for the Yankees, nor does he propel them to the top. However, with remaining minor league options, they can send him to the same spot they keep sending Ron Marinaccio, the Mets’ pitching prospect in this trade: the minor leagues.
Since making his big league debut in 2022, Marinaccio has a 3.02 ERA in 110.1 innings. Because of his available minor league options, the Yankees have not kept him around for long. He has only tossed 19 innings this season, but with a 2.84 ERA, he would be a valuable addition to a Mets bullpen that is still in need of development. Marinaccio would significantly increase the Mets’ relief pitcher depth. With Sean Reid-Foley now on the injured list, he’d be
If there is one disadvantage to Marinaccio, it is that the Yankees have already used his final option year. The advantage of being able to send him to Syracuse expires in 2025. It is not a huge issue. This squad requires some manageable bullpen components. Marinaccio will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season.
The Mets could consider calling up Ben Gamel as a left-handed alternative to Stewart. He is hitting.In 190 Triple-A plate appearances, he hit 314/.423/.538 with seven home runs and twenty-four RBI. In some ways, he is a very different player from Stewart, thus they may not lose much with this switch.
