The Astros have the second best record in the majors. The team has one of the most potent lineups in baseball with a decent starting rotation. The Astros are looking to add another starter to their two headed monster of Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr.
The Mets have a young, controllable pitcher that the Astros could make a run at. He has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the last three years by throwing at least 500 innings. With their 39-47 record, the Mets could be pawning off players real soon.
Astros like Jacob DeGrom
DeGrom has a 3.65 earned run average with the New York Mets.
He is not going to be a free agent until 2020 which makes his value very high. He has been one of the most consistent pitchers for the Mets in recent year, but the Mets are on the verge of a possible fire sale soon. The Mets have been hit hard with injuries as Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey have been shelved. The once dominant young rotation may be no more.
Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated wrote that the Astros could be a perfect fit for DeGrom if a firesale were to happen. The Astros have six prospects in MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects. The Astros were linked to Jose Quintana, but his value seems to be so high that it matches a package that would be similar to what Chris Sale brought in. The Astros apparently don't see Quintana as a future ace, while the New York Yankees are most likely a destination.
Jay Bruce's no-trade clause could affect trade
Bruce is hitting .266 this season with 59 runs batted in. He is another player that has been linked to being on the move this season as well. However, Bruce has a no-trade clause and can block a trade to eight different teams. Those teams include the Diamondbacks, Marlins, Twins, Yankees, Athletics, Phillies, Rays, and Blue Jays.
Most of those teams would not need a player like Bruce based on their outfield needs. The Yankees could be a possible destination though. Bruce has played some first base this season for the Mets. The Yankees have not had great production at first once Greg Bird went down with an injury.
The fall of New York
The Mets were in the World Series just two seasons ago.
If the Mets move DeGrom, then that might signal a full teardown of the organization. However, the Mets could trade Bruce and look to next year and rebuild their outfield. Curtis Granderson will be a free agent this year. Michael Conforto is a building block, so a few prospects could help in the long run.
