Mets On Deck: Here's what they still might do before Tuesday's MLB trade deadline

NEW YORK — Throughout a rickety 2023 season, the Mets players and Buck Showalter have continuously stated the need to turn the page or move on to the next game amid the struggles.

The Mets dug themselves into a hole with a 7-19 record in the month of June and were unable to prove that they were capable of completely working their way out of it on the path to contending for a playoff spot.

That inconsistency led general manager Billy Eppler to start selling off players in the name of bolstering their minor league ranks for the future last week. The Mets might have taken three out of four from the Nationals to improve to 50-55, but the Mets' run came a little too late.

With Tuesday's 6 p.m. trade deadline on the horizon, the Mets have already been one of the most aggressive teams in Major League Baseball in selling off difference-making players. As they embark toward Kansas City, here is what has already transpired in the trade mark and what might still be on the way for the Mets:

What the Mets have done so far

When the Mets traded David Robertson to the Marlins late Thursday night in exchange for two teenage prospects, the reality began to set in that the franchise would be looking to bolster their farm system at the deadline rather than adding on to try and make a playoff push.

Those prospects, 18-year-old shortstop Marco Vargas and 19-year-old catcher Ronald Hernandez, are still in the Florida Complex League, with a way to go before realizing their major league dreams.

"We probably should’ve played better earlier if we wanted to be buyers instead of sellers,” Mark Canha said that night.

But the idea that just about anybody was fair game to be moved came on Saturday as the wheels began to turn on a deal that sent Max Scherzer to the Rangers in exchange for shortstop prospect Luisangel Acuña.

With Acuña in Double-A, it is a move that Eppler hopes will pay dividends sooner rather than later. Owner Steve Cohen has made it a point to enchance the minor league ranks. That goal came at the cost of this season's production with Scherzer departing, and the Mets will still need to find a way to fill in the sizable gap in the rotation.

"We are willing, in certain circumstances, to use Steve (Cohen's) investment and kind of repurpose that investment to serve the larger goal, which is to build a championship organization," Eppler said.

The Mets added their first pitcher at the deadline on Monday night when they shipped Mark Canha to the Brewers for 23-year-old right-hander Justin Jarvis, who became the Mets' No. 13 prospect.

After a strong debut season in New York, Canha has not been as strong in 2023, with a .244/.341/.382 slash line, six home runs, 29 RBI and 28 runs. The veteran outfielder is the consummate pro who would fit in seamlessly for a contender.

What the Mets still might do by trade deadline

With the Mets shifting their focus from the 2023 season to bolstering the future, the capable veterans on expiring deals are likely to come into focus for the buyers in the market.

Tommy Pham is one of the Mets' most enticing players for a team looking to bolster their outfield. Pham, who recently missed some time with groin tightness, knocked his 10th home run of the season on Saturday night. The 35-year-old, who signed a one-year, $6 million deal in the offseason, now has an .824 OPS with 36 RBI, 29 runs and 11 stolen bases.

Pham's production helped him supplant Canha for a starting role in left field.

The last major question could linger with the availability of Justin Verlander, who said he was surprised by Max Scherzer's departure. Verlander is intent to play on a contender, which the Mets are not in 2023, and would like to receive reassurance that the Mets will work to build it back up next season. He has a no-trade clause and would have to approve any trade.

"I got a couple of days, and I'm glad I'm not pitching on like Tuesday, that would be a disaster," Verlander said. "I'm able to kind of decompress, think about things, talk to my family. They're obviously a huge part in this, people forget about that. So we'll see what happens."

If the Mets went into full sell mode, Adam Ottavino, Jose Quintana and Brooks Raley all have one year left on their deals in 2024.

Mets at Royals: TV info, times, probable pitchers

Tuesday, 8:10 p.m., SNY: LHP Jose Quintana (0-2, 3.27) vs. RHP Zack Greinke (1-11, 5.49)

Wednesday, 8:10 p.m., SNY: RHP Kodai Senga (7-5, 3.17) vs. RHP Alec Marsh (0-5, 7.04)

Thursday, 2:10 p.m., SNY: TBD vs. RHP Brady Singer (0-5, 7.04)

Analysis: The biggest question will come on Thursday afternoon when the Mets decide who will fill in Scherzer's spot in the rotation. Buck Showalter offered David Peterson and Tylor Megill as candidates to fill that void.

Peterson has been filling in out of the bullpen since mid-July, tossing eight innings and allowing two earned runs (2.25 ERA) while striking out eight. Tylor Megill has struggled in Triple-A Syracuse, where he is 0-3 in six starts with an 8.67 ERA.

Quintana has been strong in his first two starts since returning from a four-month absence but has two losses to show for it. In the Subway Series last week, Quintana allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks across six innings with five strikeouts.

Kodai Senga continued to be dependable in his latest start against the Nationals, allowing one earned run on two hits and three walks with five strikeouts in six innings.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets trade rumors, news ahead of MLB trade deadline