Trade Grandy-man for the Orioles Brad Brach, Rangers Jeremy Jeffress or Cardinals Trevor Rosenthal
Both Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce have been the subject of intense trade rumors since the inception of this offseason, with Alderson reportedly wanting to trade Bruce and hold on to Granderson for his center field ability. But the market has wanted Granderson more.Orioles RHP Brad Brach has been the most common name tossed around in reports, and he would be a great acquisition. He made the All-Star game last season for the first time in his career, producing a 2.05 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP and 92 strikeouts in 79 innings tossed. Baltimore almost pulled the trigger on a deal for him for Bruce straight up, but then backed off. So by offering Granderson, a trade would be more likely.
But two more unknown names that could be open to be dealt for not too much are the Cardinals Trevor Rosenthal and Rangers Jeremy Jefress.
Rosenthal is coming off a career worst year that saw him garner a 4.46 ERA and a whopping 1.90 WHIP. But most of that can be attributed to a bad stretch through June and July, whereas he righted the ship in September to the tune of a 1.29 ERA.
Take away 2016 and Rosenthal has thrown a solid 2.66 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in his career, paired with 96 saves and 303 strikeouts over 237 innings. So his value is about as low as it’s going to get right now if the Mets want to trade for an arm to shore up the ‘pen.
Jeffress fits the same bill as Rosenthal – a former closer that can throw hard, but recently lost his job. The former Brewers‘ ninth inning man had 27 saves for them in 2016, before being moved to Texas with Jonathan Lucroy.
Over the last three seasons, Jefress has developed himself into a great relief arm, posting a 2.56 ERA and 138 strikeouts during 158 innings pitched over that stretch. Again, his value is as low as it will likely be for a while, so it would behoove Alderson to move on him soon if there is any interest there.
