Milwaukee Brewers: Mets to move starters?

The New York Mets have too many starting pitchers for not enough spots. Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, and Matt Harvey ended the 2017 season on the active roster. Steven Matz is expected to return from elbow surgery for Spring Training. Zack Wheeler is still a question mark, but they have at least three other starters to compete for the final spot. Could one of them end up in the Milwaukee Brewers rotation?

The Milwaukee Brewers need to strengthen their rotation and add to their bullpen. Jerry Blevins and A.J. Ramos are a pair of intriguing bullpen arms, but the real interest should revolve around the extra starting pitchers.

Mets beat reporter Mike Puma has speculated that the Mets are in fact looking to move their excess starters.

Who would the Mets look to deal?

Robert Gsellman, Rafael Montero, and Seth Lugo need roles for the 2018 season. They are to good to go back to Triple-A, but they might not crack the Mets starting rotation.

Gsellman is by far the most interesting of the group, but he would also cost the most. He posted a 5.19 ERA in 119 2/3 innings with a 6.17 K/9 and a 3.16 BB/9. Gsellman looked fantastic in Spring Training, but struggled through the first half of the season in 2017. He suffered a hamstring injury in the second half, and never appeared to get on track. He’s still only 24-years old, and has by far the most upside of the trio.

Seth Lugo tossed 101 1/3 innings in 2017, and posted a 4.71 ERA. He stuck out 85 and walked only 25, with solid peripheral stats. Lugo just turned 28, and has two more years of team control with three years of arbitration. He doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but he can gobble up innings with solid ratios.

Rafael Montero is 27 years old and has the most raw stuff of the trio, but he’s also the least polished. He worked 119 innings in 2017 with a 5.52 ERA. He posted a 8.62 K/9 and a 5.07 BB/9. Control has been an issue, but it also comes with a 10.1% swinging strike percentage.

Who would the Brewers flip to the Mets for a starter?

The Mets need help in the outfield. The Brewers have several outfielders down on the farm, and Keon Broxton at the Major League level. The Mets also need help at first base. Jesus Aguilar could draw interest, but Jake Gatewood is the most interesting name at first base in the Minors. It’s believed that the Mets would prefer an outfielder capable of handling first base. The Brewers don’t have a perfect fit, but they have the pieces put together a package that could tempt the Mets.

Next: Is there a potential deal between the Brewers and Rays?

There aren’t any concrete rumors linking the New York Mets to the Milwaukee Brewers, but the fit is logical. The Brewers need pitching and have outfielders. The Mets have pitching and need outfielders. Keep an eye out for rumors once the Winter Meetings start in December.