RHP Jordany Ventura (No. 19)
Why it could work: Even after landing Hill, the Mets still need pitching, and here they bolster their rotation and bullpen all at once, with a pair of rentals. It’s tempting to dream big on any pitcher getting out of Coors Field, but it’s important to note that Gray has roughly even home-road splits for his career while performing better in Colorado this year. Still, it’s hard not to wonder if a change of scenery could bring about a Kevin Gausman-like mid-career breakout for Gray, who like Gausman was a top-five Draft pick (third in 2013). But even if that doesn’t happen, Gray would help the Mets now. The righty has been an above-average big league starter (109 career ERA+, 126 this year) and would provide a level of security given the team’s other question marks. (Gray has gone at least 5 2/3 innings 12 times this year). Meanwhile, a team can never have too many solid relief options, and Givens would provide another proven arm for the late inn
On defense without borders and three other things about the Cleveland Indians
Updated 8:46 PM;
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CLEVELAND, Ohio It’s not exactly news, but manager Terry Francona wanted to make one thing clear. The Indians don’t have the kind of lineup where he can start the same nine players game in and game out.
Francona was asked if the presence of Harold Ramirez, scheduled to make his fifth straight start in center field on Friday night, would allow him to leave Amed Rosario at shortstop to platoon with Andrew Gimenez instead of bouncing between the two positions. The short answer was no.
MLB Rumors: Mets Beat Deadline To Secure Lindor With Blockbuster Multi-Year Deal
04/01/21 AT 6:30 AM Shortstop Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians throws to first as Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox is out at second base during the seventh inning at Progressive Field on August 21, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images
KEY POINTS
The Mets beat the deadline to keep Lindor in their ranks
Lindor is expected to do better for the Mets this season
The New York Mets were reportedly able to be the deadline set of Francisco Lindor, signing the shortstop to a 10-year deal worth $341 million.