Mets' Top Hypothetical Trade Targets for Early Season Shakeup

The New York Mets could wind up as sellers rather than buyers at the trade deadline if their early performance continues, with a 19-22 record and minus-four run differential through their first 41 games.

However, if they are going to contend, upgrading the starting rotation figures to be the top priority, even with Kodai Senga on the mend.

Veterans José Quintana and Adrian Houser have both underperformed, while rookie José Buttó is a potential regression candidate given his spotty command, leaving multiple holes in the starting staff.

Ahead we've highlighted one blockbuster target, one logical target, and one low-cost target the Mets could explore.

Blockbuster Target: LHP Framber Valdez, Houston Astros

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 10: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the bottom of the first inning at Comerica Park on May 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

If the Houston Astros decide to sell at the deadline, there will be different levels to the players they make available, and a more drastic retooling could see Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez both made available with free agency looming for both stars after the 2025 season.

The logical move for the Mets would be to target pitchers who can help them beyond the 2024 season, similar to when the Seattle Mariners acquired Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds during a season when they missed the playoffs.

Valdez, 30, is a proven frontline starter with a terrific postseason track record, and he would slot alongside Kodai Senga at the top of the Mets rotation in 2025 and beyond if the team could find a way to nail down a post-trade extension.

Logical Target: RHP Erick Fedde

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 14: Erick Fedde #20 of the Chicago White Sox throws a pitch during the first inning of game two of a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 14, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

Since the financial ramifications of any trade will be front and center for a Mets team at the highest level of the luxury tax threshold, Erick Fedde could represent a team-friendly rotation target who also profiles as more than just a rental.

The former Washington Nationals top prospect dominated in the KBO in 2023 before returning stateside on a two-year, $15 million deal with the Chicago White Sox, and he has been a different pitcher so far this year.

The 31-year-old has a 2.60 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 52 innings, and his contract will pay him just $7.5 million next season to slot into a middle-of-the-rotation role on a Mets staff that will again need to be rebuilt.

Outside-the-Box Target: RHP Chris Bassitt, Toronto Blue Jays

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TORONTO, ON- MAY 1 - Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) as the Toronto Blue Jays fall to the Kansas City Royals 6-1 at Rogers Centre in Toronto. May 1, 2024. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Would the Mets consider a reunion with Chris Bassitt?

The 35-year-old spent the 2022 season in the Mets rotation, going 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 167 strikeouts in 181.2 innings, and that earned him a three-year, $63 million contract from the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency.

He is making $22 million this season with a matching $22 million salary for next year, so the Blue Jays would have to eat a significant chunk of that salary to facilitate a trade, but they could be headed for a significant retooling of their own at the deadline.

It's an outside-the-box approach, but if they can find a way to get the money to work for both sides, Bassitt is a known commodity in Queens.