The New York Mets have lost two starters due to injuries and a trade pitch has them getting an ace to boost the rotation. MLB analyst Zach Pressnell of FanSided offered a three-player blockbuster deal that would see the Mets acquire Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Mets acquire:
- Sonny Gray
Cardinals acquire:
- Nolan McLean
- Drew Gilbert
The suggested deal would be a blockbuster, with New York acquiring Gray, who may be the team’s ace, in exchange for two of its top prospects.
Gray is in the second year of his three-year, $75 million contract, which also includes a club option for a fourth year at $30 million in 2027. The right-hander is a three-time All-Star and would strengthen the Mets’ rotation, which is currently without Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas due to injury. Gray pitched 13-9 with a 3.84 ERA in 38 games last season for the Cardinals.
In exchange, the Mets would deal McLean, New York’s fifth-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. McLean, a 23-year-old right-hander, was selected in the third round of the 2023 MLB draft. Last season, the right-hander advanced to AA, finishing 4-10 with a 3.78 ERA in 25 starts between A+ and AA.
The Mets would also trade Gilbert, their 11th-ranked prospect. The outfielder advanced to AAA in 2024 and could play in the majors this season. The Houston Astros selected Gilbert in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft, but he was part of the Justin Verlander trade package. In 2024, Gilbert hit.205 in the minors, with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs.
Analyst Calls Trade a Win-Win for Mets & Cardinals
The proposed trade makes sense for both the Mets and the Cardinals.
New York would receive a top-of-the-rotation starter, while St. Louis would gain two top prospects to aid in its rebuilding efforts, as well as the release of Gray’s contract. Pressnell describes the transfer as a win-win for both sides.
“The Mets would get the starter they require while retaining all of the prospects who have a clear path to the majors. St. Louis would cut some salaries and bring in two very bright prospects to replace Gray. Pressnell wrote, “It’s a win-win for both teams.”
Pressnell believes that if New York intends to enhance its rotation, a trade with Gray makes a lot of sense.
Mets Name Clay Holmes Opening Day Starter
New York has chosen Clay Holmes, a free agency signing, as the team’s Opening Day starter in 2025.
In the offseason, Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets, committing to a transition from relief pitcher to starter.
Following Holmes’ strong spring training performance and the injuries to Manaea and Montas, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza appointed him the team’s Opening Day starter.
“He earned it,” Mendoza said. “We like what we’re seeing. I know it’s a small sample size here, but it’s really encouraging. He really put himself in a really good position. Showed up here early in camp. He was ahead of everyone. But again, I think it’s more how he’s appeared thus far making that shift. And, we’re comfortable with him going on Opening Day. I know he’s worked really hard. “I am proud of him.”
On March 27, the Mets face the Houston Astros on the road to begin the 2025 Major League Baseball season.
