New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway is excited for Marcus Stroman to begin taking the mound for them.
This past Sunday, the New York Mets made the first of their big moves ahead of Wednesday’s trade deadline. They ultimately sent prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods-Richardson to the Toronto Blue Jays for All-Star right-hander Marcus Stroman.
Stroman will pitch for the first time in a Mets uniform on Saturday when New York faces the Pirates in Pittsburgh. He’ll be taking what would’ve been Jason Vargas‘ start. The Mets sent Vargas to the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday for minor league catcher Austin Bossart. The Mets also sent cash to the Phillies in the deal.
On Tuesday, before the Mets game in Chicago against the White Sox, manager Mickey Callaway explained he’s “excited” to see Stroman pitch for them.
Mickey Callaway on Marcus Stroman:
"I'm excited…it's gonna be fun to watch him compete" pic.twitter.com/Dl9tQdebPY
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 30, 2019
The Mets are currently on a six-game road trip that includes three games against the White Sox and three games against the Pirates. They’ll finally return back to Citi Field for a seven-game homestand on Aug. 5.
Despite landing Stroman, thus improving the starting rotation, the Mets could still deal another starting pitcher before the deadline. Names that have been linked to trade talks include right-handers Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler.
Recent reports stated that Syndergaard was now likely to be dealt due to the Stroman deal. However, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported Tuesday morning that the Mets were actually more likely to deal Wheeler than Syndergaard.
Mets still engaged on Syndergaard (who’s been linked to SD, Hou, NYY, Oak and Minn) but still seem much more likely to deal Wheeler. Makes sense. Stroman trade highlighted Mets interest in 2020; Noah under control thru 2021, Wheeler a FA after year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
Fans will know all the answers of who was dealt and who wasn’t when the trade deadline rolls around at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
