BREAKING NEWS: Garrett Crochet Off the Board as Mets Reveal Three Best Starting Pitcher Trade Targets…

The New York Mets are wasting no time addressing their pitching needs this offseason. Following a lackluster 2024 campaign marked by inconsistencies on the mound, the team is pivoting to the trade market in search of impactful starting pitchers. However, their plans took an early hit when Garrett Crochet, a promising left-hander with elite velocity, was taken off the board by a competing club in a surprising move. Despite this setback, the Mets have recalibrated and revealed three top starting pitcher trade targets that they believe can anchor their rotation.

Crochet Slips Away

Garrett Crochet was widely regarded as a potential difference-maker for any rotation. Known for his high-90s fastball and wipeout slider, the 24-year-old lefty’s upside as a starter had intrigued multiple teams, including the Mets. Reports indicated that the Mets had been exploring avenues to acquire him as part of a larger deal, but negotiations were cut short when another club swooped in to secure his services.

This unexpected twist leaves the Mets with fewer options but has also heightened the urgency in their pursuit of quality arms.

The Top Three Targets

In light of the Crochet development, Mets management has zeroed in on three key trade targets. Each brings a unique skill set and track record, making them attractive options for a team desperate to solidify its rotation.

1. Corbin Burnes – Milwaukee Brewers

The Mets have long been linked to Corbin Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young winner. Burnes is coming off another stellar season, showcasing elite strikeout ability and an exceptional command of his pitch arsenal. The Brewers’ front office has hinted at a willingness to listen to offers for Burnes as part of a potential retooling effort. Acquiring Burnes would require a substantial package of prospects and young talent, but his addition would immediately establish the Mets as contenders.

2. Dylan Cease – Chicago White Sox

Another name high on the Mets’ list is Dylan Cease. The White Sox ace has been a consistent force on the mound, boasting one of the league’s best strikeout rates. Cease’s ability to dominate opposing lineups would give the Mets a legitimate ace to pair with Kodai Senga. With the White Sox in rebuilding mode, the Mets believe they have the assets to make a compelling offer.

3. Shane Bieber – Cleveland Guardians

Shane Bieber offers a slightly different profile as a former Cy Young winner whose reliance on command and pitch mix has made him a perennial All-Star. Though Bieber’s velocity has dipped slightly in recent years, his effectiveness remains unquestioned. The Guardians have shown a willingness to entertain trade discussions, and Bieber’s ability to mentor younger pitchers could be an added benefit for the Mets.

A New Approach to Building the Rotation

The Mets’ pivot to these three trade targets underscores a broader strategy to rebuild their rotation after several years of inconsistency. The team’s recent spending spree on marquee players has left them light on top-tier pitching depth, and management is determined to correct that imbalance.

General Manager David Stearns emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable pitching staff. “We’re committed to acquiring talent that can compete at the highest level,” Stearns said. “Whether it’s through trades or internal development, our goal is to build a rotation that gives us a chance to win every night.”

What’s Next for the Mets?

While losing out on Garrett Crochet was a blow, the Mets remain focused on their ultimate goal of building a championship-caliber team. The pursuit of Burnes, Cease, or Bieber will undoubtedly involve intense competition, as all three pitchers are highly coveted across the league. Nevertheless, the Mets’ willingness to invest in premier talent signals their determination to compete in the highly competitive NL East.

With the Winter Meetings fast approaching, expect the Mets to be active participants as they work to secure one of these top arms. For a franchise hungry for postseason success, landing an ace could be the key to turning their fortunes around in 2025.

 

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