Roster Shuffle: Mets Look to Deal Slugging Infielder for Top-End Starter
The New York Mets fell short of the World Series in 2024. They could be losing Sean Manaea in free agency and might turn to the trade market to replace him.
While outlining trades the Mets could make for Arizona Diamondbacks starter Jordan Montgomery, FanSided’s Tim Boyle proposed this trade that brings Montgomery to New York:
- Mets receive: left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery
- Diamondbacks receive: infielder Luke Ritter
“Preferably, the Mets use Ritter to add something more controllable than a veteran starter coming off of a terrible season. Who are we to complain? The fact that this seventh round pick has come to earn any value whatsoever is a huge win,” wrote Boyle. “Inconceivably, Ritter would quickly become a contender to at least see some action in Arizona as their first baseman.”
Ritter hit 26 home runs in 2023 and 27 in 2024. The Diamondbacks could lose Christian Walker in free agency, and could give Ritter a shot in their lineup. Montgomery has accepted his $22.5 million option, but owner Ken Kendrick may not be keen on keeping him around.
“Looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision to invest that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did,” said Kendrick. “It’s our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint, and I’m the perpetrator of that.”
Montgomery struggled in 2024, but if he can turn things back around he could be a real asset for the Mets if Manaea signs elsewhere. Ritter does not seem to have a role in the Mets’ future, so turning him into a player like Montgomery could be great for the team.
