The trade: New York Mets acquire RHP Chris BassittRHPs J.T. Ginn Adam Oller
With Carlos Rodon, Clayton Kershaw Yusei KikuchiThe free-agent market Zack GreinkeNow that the Mets have the best remaining starter, they are moving to the trade market in an effort to add depth to a rotating lineup that is still questionable. Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer Taijuan Walker. When you are a big-market team like the Mets, it is hard to let go of prospects. However, they have acquired one the most underrated starting pitchers on the game in Bassitt.
Bassitt was 27-11 and had a 3.26 ERA in the last three seasons. He was 12th among pitchers who have at least 300 innings, and 18th in WAR. This comfortably puts him among the top 25 major league starters. Although he isn’t a powerful pitcher, his four-seamer averaged 93.2 mph at 2021 was hardly impressive, he has become a complete pitcher with plus command and a six-pitch repertoire. His soft contact makes up for the 32nd percentile below-average swing/miss rate. Bassitt will be under team control for one more season. While the Mets might have preferred Rodon’s ace-level upside in 2021, Bassitt has proven to be a solid, reliable option and pencils in as the No. 1 pitcher. There are 3 league starters.
Bassitt sustained facial fractures to his right cheek after being struck in the face last August by a 100-mph ball drive. This was a minor issue. He made two starts at the end of the season, giving up one run in six innings and showing no nerve damage. Bassitt’s career has seen a notable home/road split with a 2.58 ERA at his home and 4.34 at the road (versus 4.16 the previous three seasons). He loved Oakland but he is moving to Citi Field.
The Mets may still be interested in a new starter. Carlos Carrasco, Tylor Megill David PetersonThe next options are Peterson and Megill, who both have broken feet. Megill’s 4.52 ERA is the highest of the three in 2021. Bassitt is a way to fill a gap in their roster without sacrificing any of their top prospects, while keeping their payroll below the Steve Cohen tax level. I love this deal for the Mets.
Mets grade B+
Let’s start the fire sale for the A-s. Bassitt is the first one to leave in what could become a mass exodus. Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea Frankie MontasBilly Beane opens a new cycle and we will be next in line. Manaea can be freed after 2022 like Bassitt. Chapman (Olson) and Montas will be eligible after 2023. The Braves are, Dodgers, and Yankees are all keen to be a free agent. Freddie FreemanOlson will be of great interest to the losers (as will all other teams) in that bidding competition.
Ginn is the big return. Ginn, who was a first round pick in high school by Dodgers, went to Mississippi State instead. Ginn won Southeastern Conference freshman honors and is projected to be a potential first round pick as a draft eligible sophomore. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, he was taken by the Mets in the second round. He was also given an over-slot bonus. Ginn made 18 starts in Class-A, allowing 92 runs, with 81 strikeouts and 22 walks, while allowing 75 hits in his first professional season. He was a high-octane pitcher as a freshman. In 2021, Ginn returned as an effective, yet different, pitcher. He sat at 90-94, allowed three home runs, and produced a lot more grounders. Ginn is a potential starter in the middle of the rotation, but he’s not expected to improve his velocity. For one year of Bassitt, it’s a fair return.
Beane is a fan of Oller, who he often trades for — like when he acquired Bassitt from the White Sox years ago. Oller does not appear on any of the Mets’ top 10 prospect list, but he did have a solid 2021 season. He had a 3.45 ERA (and 138 strikeouts) in 120 innings between Double A and Triple A. Oller is already 27 years old, and this was his first major success in the minors. In fact, the Mets purchased him as a Rule 5 minor league pick. Although he’s a low-90s guy with a sinker/slider/cutter style, his minor league numbers indicate that he could be serviceable in a big-league rotation in 2022, which is what the A’s will need, should they trade three starters.
Ginn will likely be the most important player in this trade, so keep checking back in a few decades. This is a major disappointment for A’s fans. It may also be the first sign that 2022 could be a long season.