In a surprising turn of events leading up to the trade deadline, the New York Yankees and New York Mets engaged in discussions about a potential player trade. The proposed deal would have sent outfielder Trent Grisham to the Mets in exchange for third baseman Brett Baty. This exchange gained traction as the Yankees grappled with the health of star player Aaron Judge.
Trade Talks and Aaron Judge’s Impact
On July 22, Judge injured his elbow, raising concerns about his potential absence. His discomfort persisted during a game on July 25, resulting in his placement on the 10-day injured list. Judge was limited to designated hitter duties for over a month following his return. Fortunately, it was determined that his injury was a minor flexor strain, with no damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
Initially, the uncertainty surrounding Judge’s health led the Yankees to consider different approaches, including a possible sell-off of pending free agents. According to reports, they showed willingness to consider trades involving players like Grisham, Luke Weaver, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger.
Yankees’ Performance and Trade Strategy
During June and July, the Yankees posted a disappointing record of 25-27. This slump extended into early August when they lost their first five games. However, by mid-August, the team rebounded impressively, winning 28 of their next 39 games, making them competitive as the regular season approached its climax.
- Record: 25-27 (June and July)
- August slump: 5 consecutive losses
- Recovery: 28-11 in last 39 games
Player Performance
Trent Grisham has had a standout season, hitting .238/.349/.469 in 573 plate appearances with 34 home runs, significantly surpassing his previous career high of 17. However, his defensive performance has been less impressive, recording -11 Defensive Runs Saved.
Brett Baty, now in his fourth MLB season, has improved his performance to a 110 wRC+, posting a .254/.313/.435 line with 18 home runs over 432 plate appearances. Despite a rough start leading to a Triple-A demotion, he has been one of the more productive hitters lately.
Mets’ Trade Decisions
While the Mets showed openness to trading some young infield depth, they ultimately opted to strengthen their minor league pitching corps instead. They traded infield prospect Jesus Baez to the Cardinals for Ryan Helsley. The Mets also acquired Cedric Mullins from the Orioles, but his performance has fallen short, hitting just .183 in 142 plate appearances.
Looking Ahead
With the season nearing its conclusion, the Yankees retained their core while adding experienced players like Ryan McMahon to strengthen their roster. The hypothetical Grisham-for-Baty trade raised eyebrows due to the Yankees and Mets’ infrequent transactions. While the Yankees surged into playoff contention, the Mets struggled post-deadline, leaving their postseason hopes in jeopardy.
- Mets’ record since August 1: 20-31
- Current NL postseason position: Outside looking in
- Cincinnati Reds’ magic number for wild card: 2
As each team heads toward the final games of the season, the effects of their trade decisions and player performances will undoubtedly shape their futures in the league.
