The Mets acquired Phil Maton dos Raios on Tuesday to bolster their bullpen in what the team and fans expect is a sign that the organization will be a buyer at this year’s trade deadline.
However, Mets-pbaseball operations resident David Stearns will still not use the agreement to make a definitive position on whether its team is a buyer or seller by the deadline.
“[Maton is] a piece that we think today helps our bullpen and helps our team and we’ll continue to see what’s out there and the moves that might make sense for us and we’ll continue to learn about our team over the next few weeks,” Stearns said. before the Mets’ series opener against the Nationals. “It’s just about trying to do what we can to put the best team we can on the field. We try to be as proactive as possible throughout the year, gradually updating where we can and this is another example of that.”
Maton joins a Mets bullpen that has allowed 40 earned runs in 45 innings since June 23, which equates to an 8.12 ERA. A blight on a magnificent Mets turnaround from the terrible May 9-19.
The team had one of its best months in franchise history in June, going 16-8 to get back to .500 and following it up with a 4-4 record in July.
With six games against the Nationals and Rockies on the docket before the All-Star break, it’s an important time for the Mets, and Stearns will use this as a chance to help the front office decide which side of the deadline they’ll be on. about.
“We will continue to learn about our team in the coming weeks and will take the opportunity to see what a full trade deadline strategy would look like,” he said.
Stearns said he feels better about where the team is today and is proud of the coaches and players for sticking together and overcoming the May slump. He also believes that if the team continues to play well, it will be a playoff-caliber team.
With the 2024 trade deadline set for July 30, the Mets have a few weeks to prove to Stearns and the front office that the team is worth a shot in the playoffs. Entering Tuesday, New York is 2.5 games back of the third and final Wild Card spot.
However, there are six other teams within six games of the same position, so Stearns knows things could change for the Mets, so they will continue to be patient before making any rash moves.
“We’re in a situation where winning three in a row changes things in a significant direction and losing three in a row changes things in a significant direction,” Stearns said. “It’s one of the reasons we will be patient.”
