Two 2023 Mets Trades Reassessed After Two Years

The New York Mets' recent trade decisions have come under scrutiny as their returns have underperformed expectations. The Mets traded Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers in 2023, acquiring prospect Luisangel Acuna, who has struggled offensively and does not currently have a clear role on the team. Similarly, the Mets' 2023 trade of Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros for prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford, initially graded highly, now appears less favorable as Gilbert's performance has declined and Clifford remains an average producer. Despite these setbacks, Mets players emphasize a strong sense of urgency to win, knowing that playoff qualification often hinges on just one game, underscoring the importance of incremental improvements. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros, facing underperformance from first baseman Christian Walker, are exploring trades for power hitters like Ryan O'Hearn to bolster their lineup. The San Francisco Giants are also considering internal options to replace struggling starter Justin Verlander, reflecting broader challenges for veteran pitchers across MLB teams.