Report: Mets, Phillies showing strong interest in Rangers' Minor
Texas Rangers starter Mike Minor is apparently drawing serious attention from two clubs in the National League East.
One day after the left-hander tossed a three-hit, complete-game shutout against the Los Angeles Angels, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports reported the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are both showing strong interest in the 31-year-old.
Minor has pitched well in his first four starts of the season, compiling a 2.60 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts during 27 2/3 innings.
Those numbers would best all of the Mets' current starting staff, including stars Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.
Mets starters - 2019 stats
| PITCHER | GS | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob deGrom | 4 | 22 | 3.68 | 1.27 | 36 |
| Noah Syndergaard | 4 | 24 | 5.63 | 1.13 | 29 |
| Steven Matz | 4 | 16.1 | 4.96 | 1.35 | 19 |
| Zack Wheeler | 3 | 15.2 | 7.47 | 1.72 | 17 |
| Jason Vargas | 2 | 6.1 | 14.21 | 2.84 | 3 |
This isn't the first time Philadelphia has shown interest in Minor. The team's front office reportedly talked about a trade involving the Rangers southpaw in December, but nothing came to fruition.
Phillies starters - 2019 stats
| PITCHER | GS | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Nola | 4 | 19.1 | 7.45 | 1.66 | 19 |
| Jake Arrieta | 3 | 20 | 2.25 | 1.15 | 15 |
| Zach Eflin | 3 | 16 | 3.94 | 1.25 | 18 |
| Vince Velasquez | 2 | 12 | 2.25 | 0.75 | 8 |
| Nick Pivetta* | 4 | 18.1 | 8.35 | 2.13 | 16 |
*Optioned to Triple-A on Wednesday
Since signing a three-year deal worth $28 million with the Rangers before the 2018 season, Minor has posted a 14-9 record with a 3.95 ERA in 184 2/3 innings.
He's still owed $9.5 million this year and in 2020, according to Nightengale.