Last week, the Mets began to restructure their roster, sending third baseman Eduardo Escobar to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for minor league pitchers Landon Marceaux and Coleman Crow.
As part of the deal, New York paid all but the prorated league minimum of Escobar’s salary. Cohen told reporters that he would be open to making similar trades in the future if it meant acquiring more prominent prospects.
“I already consider the money spent,” Cohen said. “In an unfortunate circumstance, if I can find some ways to improve our farm system, that’s the path we take. Cause I’m willing to do it.”
When asked if Cy Young Award winners Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander could be potential trade candidates come the Aug. 1 deadline, Cohen refused to “broach that topic.” The future Hall of Famers hold the two highest average annual salaries in the sport, but even if the Mets consider trading them, they’d have to waive their no-trade clauses.
In terms of players that the Mets may look into trading, closer David Robertson is a rental that many teams would covet. Robertson, 38, has appeared in 30 games this season, posting a 1.59 ERA while recording 11 saves.
Regardless of whether the Mets can turn their season around, Cohen emphasized that it would likely be an uneventful trade deadline in Queens. Considering how his latest investments have fared, it’s not surprising that he’s unwilling to give up future assets in an attempt to fix his current, inconsistent group.
“If I’m in this position, I’m not adding. I think that would be pretty silly. I’d probably do very little.”
While Cohen has been no stranger to taking aggressive actions since purchasing the Mets, he has displayed patience and a desire to take a rational approach when making long-term decisions.
Nevertheless, with the trade deadline quickly approaching, his tolerance is wearing thin, and thus, it’s up to his players to get back on track, or changes will be made.
