Could The Mets Pursue These White Sox’s Bullpen Options?

The Mets no doubt have needed bullpen help for a while now. They acquired Trevor Gott in a deal with Seattle a week or so back, but if they want to get back in the race they’re going to need more help. I don’t see the Mets wanting to move any younger prospects of value in a deal, especially where they are at now. Let’s look at some potential options for the Mets, from the White Sox’s.

Target 1: RHP Joe Kelly

Joe Kelly has been iffy this year, but his underlying metrics have been fantastic, and as it seems he has had some bad BABIP luck, that has caused his numbers to go up. He is currently on the IL, with right-elbow inflammation but is expected to be back soon. Let’s look at his stats and break it down from there.

28.0 IP

30.8% K% to 8.3% BB%

3.21 FIP

2.89 SIERA

2.99 xERA

4.82 ERA

.272 xwOBA

30.4% Whiff%

And here is his baseball savant page:

The 35 year old reliever is due to make $8.5 Million this season with a club option next year worth $9.5 Million, and with this hefty salary and the White Sox’s selling I wouldn’t expect it to take much at all to acquire the right-handed pitcher. Now lets take a look at another potential target for the Mets:

Target 2: Keynan Middleton

Middleton, 29, has been on 4 teams since the year 2020, but he is currently having a great year for the White Sox. The Mets could use a guy like him who has been consistently having good appearances which could significantly help their bullpen. Lets take a look at his stats:

32.0 IP

31.1% K%

8.3% BB%

.219 xBA

37.5% Whiff%

3.87 FIP

2.82 SIERA

3.09 ERA

And here is his baseball savant page:

His fastball has been above-average this year, but that has been significantly improved from years past according to run value (via baseball savant). Middleton is due $1.0 Million which is nothing huge so if the Mets’ make this deal early enough from the deadline and things start falling apart and they be come sellers, moving him for a prospect or something different could work as a plan B.

Mock Trade:

Mets Acquire:

RHP Kenyan Middleton

RHP Joe Kelly

White Sox’s Acquire:

C/1B/CF José Mena

Cash Considerations

White Sox’s mainly do this deal to move Kelly’s salary and net cash and a 26 year old prospect who could still find him self with the right opportunity back in return. Mets get 2 good relief options for down the stretch and a possible run at the final wild card spot.