Orchestrating the Perfect Mets-Cubs Trade

The New York Mets need a shortstop, there has been no question about it, since the departure of Jose Reyes to the Miami Marlins after the 2011 season. While Wilmer Flores has shown the ability to hit, his defensive lapses have proven that he is not an everyday starter. Ruben Tejada has been making the most of his recent stint at third, but he too is not an everyday starter. On the other hand, the Mets also contain a plethora of quality pitchers such as: Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Bartolo Colon, Zack Wheeler, Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero and Steven Matz.

The Chicago Cubs need a middle of the rotation pitcher. After Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta, their is little talent. The Cubs have an influx of talent at shortstop. Three-time All-Star Starlin Castro and rookie sensation Addison Russell are both excellent shortstops. Russell has spent most of his time at second base this year in order for Castro to maintain his position.

The Cubs general manager, Jed Hoyer, recently noted that, “there’s been matches that make sense” and he’s “sure [they’ll] talk to them in the future” and he finished his addressing of the topic by saying, “It’ll happen at some point.”

Their is almost a zero percent chance that either general manger would give up Matt Harvey, Kris Bryant, Noah Syndergaard or Addison Russell, so we will not be including them in this trade.

Mets Give: Zack Wheeler, Alex Torres, John Mayberry Jr. and Cash

Cubs Give: Starlin Castro

Why The Mets do it: An All-Star shortstop. Enough said. In all seriousness though, the Mets really do need an elite shortstop and Starlin Castro is one. He can hit, which is what the Mets need most right now. They lose a solid reliever, a good backup fielder and a top pitcher in order to get him, but it’s worth it.

Wheeler underwent Tommy John Surgery before the season, so no one really knows how he will respond next season. Alex Torres has been pitching well in relief, but he is replaceable. When closer Jenrry Meija returns from an 80-game suspension for PEDs, he or fill-in closer Jeurys Familia can take that position. Mayberry and Cash are just sweeteners to make the Cubs complete the deal.

Why the Cubs do it: They clear shortstop for who MLB.com ranked the fifth best prospect to start the season, Addison Russell. They also get rid of Starlin Castro, who tends to make a lot of errors in the field. They also ending up receiving a future ace in Zack Wheeler. Last year, Wheeler was 11-11 with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP in his second year in the majors. Alex Torres boasts a career 2.58 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. John Mayberry Jr adds more depth to the roster, as he can play all three outfield positions and first base. They also receive cash considerations, which never can hurt a team.

With how both teams have started the season, this trade won’t happen until closer to the trade deadline or even until the 2016 Winter Meetings. Eventually, some variation of this trade will happen and it will be effective for both teams. When it happens, they should both be put into contention for their division and even the World Series if they turn things around.