New York Mets Intend to Keep Bobby Parnell
By Aaron Somers
Bobby Parnell could be an attractive chip on the trade market this summer, but the Mets don’t seem interested in moving him. (Image Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)
Mired in what can only be described as a disappointing season, the New York Mets appear set to embark on a somewhat-overdue rebuilding process that might not be as elongated as some would expect. The team has a significant amount of payroll coming off their books following this season, suggesting that the time is now for the organization to evaluate their young players in an effort to see just who might be a part of the team’s future. Players will be traded off in the coming weeks, once it’s determined that they aren’t part of that future, but it would seem as though current closer Bobby Parnell doesn’t need to worry. The team has no intention of making Parnell available on the trade market this summer, according to Andy Martino of The New York Daily News.
Parnell has made 29 appearances for the Mets on the year, going 5-3 with 9 saves and a 2.83 ERA across 28.2 IP. His 1.047 WHIP is the best he’s posted in his career. He’s shown some trouble with his command in the past and there’ve been a few questions about his confidence, but Parnell seems to have finally straightened things out for himself.
An argument could be made that Parnell is one of the team’s most valuable trade chips. He’s just 28 years old and went through arbitration for the first time this past winter, agreeing to a $1.7 Million deal with the team, so he’ll be under team control for two more seasons. Plenty of teams could have had some interest this summer (the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and others) in upgrading the backend of their bullpens in anticipation of a playoff run.
An argument could also be made that now would be the best time for the Mets to move him, yet that’s just what they don’t appear interested in doing. New York has the makings of a solid roster if they can fill out some holes (in their outfield, on the bench, and in the bullpen) and could viably be a contender next season if they are able to make smart moves in the coming months. For now, at least, it seems as though Parnell will be a part of that future.