Pittsburgh Pirates: The Mets Are Interested In Tyler Anderson

The Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to have a busy trade deadline with key relievers and one of the bigger trade chips in their second baseman. Will they have a starter on the move?

As the Pittsburgh Pirates are a rebuilding club the two key areas in terms of acquiring players are through the MLB Draft and the Trade Deadline.  The MLB Draft just completed and the Pirates were able to draft four first round or borderline first round talents.  This Front Office is looking to acquire as much upside as they possibly can.  One other avenue is coming up in the Trade Deadline.

After trading away three players this offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates held onto Adam Frazier.  He and Richard Rodriguez are expected to be traded away as they are the team’s best trade chips.  However a signing made this offseason could be an attractive piece.  Tyler Anderson signed a one year deal worth $2.5 million.  It has really paid off so far for the club.  He’s been a dependable starter for a club that is rebuilding, staying healthy and an ERA roughly around league average.

As a result, the left-hander could be valuable in trades.  Every contender wants to improve their pitching staff.  Anderson is a logical fit given his average results and lower salary.  The Pirates wouldn’t expect much back but acquiring a 40+ Future Value prospect would help the rebuild.  One team that reportedly has interest are the New York Mets per Andy Martino of SNY.

With Jacob deGrom dealing with injuries all year and Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard not pitching yet because of injury the Mets are a logical fit.  Their two left-handed starters in David Peterson and Joey Lucchesi are hurt, with Peterson now just light throwing and Lucchesi out for the season.  Insert Tyler Anderson.  It’s been reported that the Mets have interest in Frazier and Ben Cherington has worked with Zack Scott in Boston.  The two know each other well and the Pirates know what prospects they like and would be available.

The Pirates and Mets seem like natural trade fits for Adam Frazier but even better for Tyler Anderson.  With Anderson’s salary and ability to pitch in the backend of a rotation he should have some value.  The Mets are the team to watch as the deadline gets closer.