In the world of baseball, spring training often serves as a breeding ground for optimism and, sometimes, overreaction. Take the case of the New York Mets and their recent trade dealings.
Brandon Waddell's impressive two-inning stint might have some fans clamoring for a spot in the rotation, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's the early days of exhibition games, and while it's tempting to draw conclusions, it's essential to keep a level head.
Last summer, the Mets made a notable trade with the San Francisco Giants, sending Jose Butto and two promising prospects, Drew Gilbert and Blade Tidwell, in exchange for Tyler Rogers. While many Mets fans were initially upset about losing Gilbert, Tidwell might be the one who leaves a more significant impression. His recent performance in the Cactus League, where he struck out the side around a walk, is a testament to his potential.
Tidwell's debut was nothing short of impressive, featuring a 95.8 mph sinker and a pair of sweepers clocking in at 84.8 and 85.3 mph. Facing big league hitters like Victor Robles, Patrick Wisdom, and Connor Joe, Tidwell showed he has the chops to compete at a high level.
As Tidwell approaches his 25th birthday mid-season, the stakes are high. After joining the Giants, he posted a solid 1.50 ERA over 18 innings, a stark contrast to his brief and rocky tenure with the Mets, where he allowed 15 earned runs in 15 innings. The challenge for Tidwell now is to rise above a crowded field of pitching talent and secure his place in the big leagues.
The Giants, like the Mets, have opted for short-term deals with pitchers such as Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, leaving the door open for Tidwell to make his mark. While the Mets may have initially benefited from the Rogers trade, the Giants still hold the cards with three players under team control, including Tidwell and Butto.
Trades at the deadline are always a gamble, and while the Mets secured a valuable reliever in Rogers, the long-term impact remains to be seen. Tidwell's spring performance is a reminder of what could have been, sparking a sense of "what if" among fans. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to watch how Tidwell's journey progresses and whether the Mets will feel his absence in the years to come.