Just hours after completing their first move of the offseason, we may now know what is next for Brodie Van Wagenen and the New York Mets.
According to multiple reports, including Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Van Wagenen and company have discussed a potential trade for righty Corey Kluber with the Cleveland Indians.
A Look at Kluber
Kluber, a two-time Cy Young award winner has been one of the top pitchers in the game the past couple of seasons. He has pitched to just a 2.85 ERA since 2014.
Last season, he finished third in American League Cy Young voting after finishing with a career-high 20 wins. In total, Kluber went 20-7 with a 2.89 ERA and 222 strikeouts in a league leading 215 innings pitched.
The righty also has ties within the Mets organization, as he worked with current Mets manager Mickey Callaway during his days as the Indians pitching coach.
A Potential Fit?
The interest certainly makes sense, as the Indians have made their top starters; Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Carlos Carrasco available this offseason in an attempt to shed salary.
Kluber would be under team control for the next three seasons. He is set to earn $17 million in 2019, and has team options in 2020 and 2021 for $17.5 million and $18 million.
Cleveland is said to be looking for a young outfielder plus other assets in return in any deal for one of their starters. This could certainly be a fit for the Mets, as they could try to pair either Brandon Nimmo or Michael Conforto in a deal.
Last Word
If Van Wagenen wants to prove he is truly all-in for 2019 he should certainly stay aggressive and go after the ace. A potential starting rotation of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, plus Kluber would be one of the very best in the game.
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