Chris
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has reportedly urged the team to pursue a blockbuster trade for a four-time All-Star currently with the Toronto Blue Jays. This potential acquisition could be part of Cohen’s vision to transform the Mets into consistent contenders after a disappointing 2023 season.
The player in question, believed to be José Berríos, has been a centerpiece for the Blue Jays’ rotation. A reliable and dominant starting pitcher, Berríos would bring significant value to the Mets, who aim to bolster their rotation following the departures of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Cohen’s directive aligns with his aggressive strategy of building a championship-caliber roster through high-profile acquisitions.
The Mets have already demonstrated a willingness to invest heavily in their lineup and rotation, as seen with the 2024 additions of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Luis Severino. However, Berríos could represent a key missing piece. Known for his consistency and strikeout ability, he logged an impressive season with a sub-4.00 ERA in 2023, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier starters.
For the Blue Jays, trading Berríos would signal a significant shift in strategy. The team recently extended other core players but faces financial constraints and positional depth decisions. Moving a high-salary player like Berríos could provide the Blue Jays with prospects or MLB-ready talent to address other roster needs, particularly in their bullpen and infield depth.
Although there’s no confirmation of negotiations, insiders suggest that the Mets’ package could include top prospects or controllable young talent. The move underscores Cohen’s determination to turn the Mets into perennial World Series contenders, leveraging the franchise’s financial might and farm system depth.
