Addison Reed – Mets (SNY)

Sandy Alderson is making the most out of the 2017 MLB Trade Deadline. A few days after trading for Marlins closer AJ Ramos, the GM for the Mets has traded one of the most valuable bullpen arms the Mets had. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets traded Addison Reed to the Red Sox for three minor league prospects.

In exchange for Reed, the Red Sox have traded away three of their top 30 prospects, according to MLBPipeline.com. All three are right-handed relievers. The Mets received Stephen Nogosek ( No. 18),  Jamie Callahan (No. 23) and Gerson Bautista (No. 28). According to reports, Bautista has tremendous upside as a man who’s fastball ranges from 98-101 MPH. Callahan has also been getting a lot of praise, with a stat line of 56 Ks in 42 innings between Double and Triple A.

Addison Reed’s career in New York can be considered as a success. Spending some time in the minor leagues in Arizona, the Mets traded for him during their 2015 World Series run. He flourished in his role for New York as a setup man, ultimately becoming the closer. In two plus seasons with the team (145 games), Reed had 21 saves, 156 strikeouts and a 2.09 ERA. This season, Reed had 19 saves and a 2.57 ERA.

Reed joins a stacked Rex Sox bullpen that includes closer Craig Kimbrel.

While fans don’t see it as a sexy return, there is something to consider. The Mets did trade two unknown minor leaguers for a few good years of Addison Reed. They then traded Lucas Duda and Reed in order to bolster their bullpen, a much-needed move. Now, they have a closer signed through 2018 in Ramos, and they don’t have to worry about relief help in the offseason. Reed is a free agent after this season, so there is a possibility of a reunion.

With just a few hours left until the trade deadline ends, Sandy Alderson has significantly improved the Mets’ relief system. It only took a few days to do something they have spent years trying to do.