The Mets won’t consider trading either of their aces until this winter, meaning the Brewers will have to look elsewhere

About a week ago, Brewers general manager David Stearns said if he was going to trade for a starter this month, it would likely be a top of the rotation starter, and not another middle-of-the-rotation arm.

To many, that meant focusing on guys like Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom. With the Mets falling out of contention early again and a middling farm system, it would make sense for the Mets to consider dealing one of their two aces for a bounty of prospects that can help kickstart a rebuilding effort.

Because it makes sense, in typical Mets fashion, the Mets have come out and said they aren’t doing it. But teams are more than welcome to try to trade for Steven Matz or Zack Wheeler.

From Andy Martino at SNY:

No moves are imminent, according to people involved in the process. But when other teams call, they are hearing that deGrom and even Syndergaard are not really available. A few weeks ago, Mets people expressed an openness to trading deGrom and/or Syndergaard as a way to facilitate a quick rebuild. The vibe has since shifted considerably, and the team expects to hold onto both at least until the end of the season.

On some level, it makes sense. There are always more suitors for trades in the offseason, when everyone can fancy themselves a contender the next season with the right moves. Also, with general manager Sandy Alderson taking a leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer, the Mets may not want to make a potentially franchise-altering deal with an interim front office in place.

But from the Brewers’ perspective, that’s two frontline options to cross off the list, and the remaining starters available this month don’t really approach that level.

The nearest may be Chris Archer, who’s currently on the disabled list. While much has been made about Archer’s iffy performance this year, 13 of the 36 runs he’s given up this year have come in 2 of his 13 starts. His ERA in those other 11 starts? A much more ace-like 3.18. But like the Mets, the Rays don’t have to trade Archer this year, and may find the offers better in the offseason.

Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference