The New York Mets have entered the MLB Trade Deadline fray:
We’ve acquired left-handed pitcher Rich Hill from Tampa Bay in exchange for right-handed pitcher Tommy Hunter and minor league catcher Matt Dyer. https://t.co/P24Fo2HoYd
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 23, 2021
Hill slots into a Mets rotation that isn’t currently getting contributions from the likes of Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Noah Syndergaard, David Peterson, Joey Lucchesi, and Jordan Yamamoto. In short, the rotation and the depth behind said rotation is in shambles.
The 41-year-old Hill should bring stability. Innings are always a concern, but the skills are still pretty solid, as Hill has pitched to a 6-4 record and 3.87 ERA this year. He slots into a rotation that still includes Marcus Stroman, Taijuan Walker, and the upstart Tylor Megill. For what it’s worth, the Rays (474 runs, 7th) are a top 10 offense in runs scored, while the Mets (367 runs, 29th) are nearly dead last. Only the Pirates (350) are worse.
The Mets should improve with Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto returning to health, but star shortstop Francisco Lindor’s IL stay isn’t encouraging. Overall it’s probably a lateral move for Hill.
Tommy Hunter looks to have been taken on to even out some of the money...he’s an unspectacular relief pitcher who has been injured most of the year. 23-year-old Double-A catcher Matt Dyer is reportedly strong defensively but hasn’t done much with the stick...that sounds pretty familiar for that organization!
In all, the Mets giving up an unspectacular prospect and an ordinary reliever for a stud-when-healthy Rich Hill seems like a massive win for their 2021 outlook. What say you, fantasy baseball degenerates?