The Trade That Could Change the Narrative

David Stearns has made several notable trades with the New York Mets, and many of them have been characterized by minimal risk. For instance, deals involving players like Luis Torrens for cash, or Phil Maton for cash, have highlighted his strategy of acquiring value without giving up much in return. One such trade that stands out is the one that sent Tyrone Taylor and Adrian Houser to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a prospect who never actually played for the Mets: Coleman Crow.

This deal initially looked like a win for the Mets, especially considering how well Taylor has performed as a part-time center fielder over the past two seasons. However, the situation is not entirely straightforward. While Taylor has shown promise, he hasn’t been perfect. His performance can be inconsistent when used too often, which makes it clear that he’s better suited for a part-time role rather than being an everyday player.

A Prospect Who Might Be a “One Who Got Away”

The trade that brought Coleman Crow to the Mets in 2023 as part of a package for Eduardo Escobar was initially seen as a minor move. Crow, however, might end up being a significant player in this story. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels and was expected to contribute, but injuries prevented him from ever pitching for the Mets.

Crow’s journey has taken a different turn since then. He was eventually traded to the Brewers, where he had a solid season in Double-A, posting a 2.51 ERA with impressive strikeout numbers—10.9 K/9. His control was also commendable, with less than two walks per nine innings. However, his performance in Triple-A was more mixed. In a limited sample size of seven innings across two starts, he allowed six earned runs, which raised some concerns about his ability to perform at the higher level.

Despite this, Crow continued to show his strength on the mound, striking out batters at a rate of 15.4 K/9 in Triple-A. This suggests that he still has the potential to be a valuable asset if he can stay healthy.

Health Concerns and Future Prospects

Health has been a recurring issue for Crow throughout his professional career. After a poor start in early July, he didn’t pitch again due to a combination of hip and arm injuries. These injuries may have played a role in why the Brewers added him to their 40-man roster. If he were not healthy, he would have been a prime candidate for the Rule 5 Draft, similar to how the Tampa Bay Rays handled Nathan Lavender last offseason.

If Crow manages to stay healthy, there is a reasonable chance he could make an impact in the majors. His strong control and high strikeout numbers suggest that he might be better suited for a reliever role rather than starting. The Brewers currently have a shortage of right-handed relievers, and many of the ones they do have are on minor league options. This gives Crow a shot at getting a spot in the big leagues if he can prove himself.

A Trade That May Need Reassessment

While the original trade that sent Crow to the Brewers may have seemed like a clear win for the Mets, the situation is evolving. Crow’s performance and potential future success could change the perception of this deal. What was once viewed as a flawless victory for the Mets might now be seen as a more balanced trade.

It’s unlikely that the trade will be fully re-evaluated this year, but the possibility remains. As Crow continues to develop and potentially make an impact in the majors, the Mets may find themselves looking back at this deal with a new perspective.