AJ Ramos (Fish Stripes.- SB Nation)

Whether you consider them playoff contenders this year or not, the Mets are keeping busy during the trade deadline. After trading Lucas Duda to the Rays, the Mets announced they have made an in-division trade. They sent two minor league prospects to the Marlins for closer AJ Ramos. Ken Rosenthal was the first to report the news.

The two minor league prospects the Mets are sending away are Merandy Gonzalez and Ricardo Cespedes. According to MLBPipeline.com, Gonzalez is ranked as the Mets’ ninth best prospect while Cespedes is the teams 22nd. While the Marlins continue to get younger, the Mets have added a dynamic reliever. It’s a win-win for all.

AJ Ramos is 2-4 this season with a 3.63 ERA. He has also saved 20 games. The 30-year old reliever remains under control through the 2018 season. Based off of that, he is a good fit for a team that is working to contend next season. That most likely means that current closer Addison Reed will be traded as early as Monday. He has gained a lot of interest from teams over the past few days. Adding Ramos could increase the worth of Reed. Ramos could end up being a setup man if/when Jeurys Familia returns. By next season, the closer role could be his permanently.

Sandy Alderson has all but assured that the Mets have an insurance policy for next season. What comes next will surely be interesting.