Grade the Trade: Mets trade R.A. Dickey to the Blue Jays for Noah Syndergaard
The New York Mets don’t always make the best transactions. After all, they’re still paying Bobby Bonilla. One trade they managed to come away as the winner in was the deal that sent R.A. Dickey to the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Mets were bold in trading the reigning Cy Young winner. Though he was nearly 40, Dickey looked like he had years left to play. This was indeed the case as he put together several solid seasons in Toronto.
Nevertheless, the Mets should be happy about selling Dickey high. Although serviceable, the knuckleballer declined immediately. This was due to more than a move to the tough American League East. Dickey’s 2012 season was a magical one that he couldn’t possibly repeat.
Even though Dickey was the most notable player included in this trade at the time, current Mets’ pitcher Noah Syndergaard has become the best. Syndergaard is a true MLB ace when healthy and a core member of the Mets’ future. His presence in this trade makes it an easy win for the Metropolitans.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Dickey’s nearly 50 wins for the Blue Jays over four seasons doesn’t match what Syndergaard will give the Mets as long as he stays healthy. Until his 2017 injury, the 24-year-old was on track to compete for the NL Cy Young five years after Dickey won his.
Dickey and Syndergaard weren’t the only two players included in this swap. Mike Nickeas and Josh Thole also visited the Mounties when they moved to Toronto. Neither of them factors in greatly as Thole was only included to catch Dickey’s knuckleball.
The Mets did manage to make up for the loss of Thole by adding two catchers: veteran John Buck and prospect Travis d’Arnaud. Buck’s time in New York was limited, but d’Arnaud’s hasn’t been. Although he hasn’t turned into the premiere backstop Mets’ fans expected him to, d’Arnaud adds a few more points in the Mets’ favor.
Minor league outfielder Wuilmer Becerra also went from the Blue Jays to the Mets. However, he has yet to make his big-league debut. At 22, he’s still in Single-A and a long way from The Show.
Next: Rosenthal done for the year
The grades on this trade exclusively involve Dickey and Syndergaard. The Blue Jays went for the win now move whereas the Mets looked at the future. Since the Blue Jays never could quite get over the hump with Dickey on the roster, it’s easy to give New York the passing grade. Syndergaard should help the Mets stay competitive for a few more years. At the very least, they could always trade him for some new reinforcements.