MLB Rumors: Mets, Phillies Pursuing Rangers Starting Pitcher

The race in the NL East is heating up and the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets are looking to add some firepower to make sure they don't get left behind. Word has it that both teams have their eyes on Mike Minor of the Texas Rangers who have so far had a 2.60 ERA in four starts this 2019 MLB season.

The Mets and the Phillies were among the teams in hot pursuit of Minor in the offseason, so this new interest in the 31-year-old southpaw hardly comes as a surprise. But the better question now is should the Rangers even consider entertaining offers for the seventh overall pick of the 2009 MLB Draft?

As pointed out by the Star-Telegram, Texas would be foolish to even consider trading Minor right now. In fact, the Rangers may be wise to give him a contract extension instead. A lot of this has to do with his performance so far this MLB season, with Minor going seven-plus innings in three consecutive starts. The last time he was able to do this was in 2014 when he was still with the Atlanta Braves.

Despite the good showing, a Minor trade could stem from something else. That includes how far they can go this MLB season with pundits hardly considering them a threat for the playoffs. But then again, the outlook could change if they continue to win. And one person who would be responsible for that is Minor. So why even entertain the thought of a trade?

It all depends on what the Rangers plan from here. They are expected to endure a rebuilding campaign and are expected to move some of their assets, according to the Bleacher Report. So right now, it is a wait-and-see scenario although the Mets and Phillies are unlikely to wait.

Both the Mets and the Phillies could benefit adding depth to their starting rotations. And seeing how heated the race is in the NL East, making sure they keep in step with the Braves and the Washington Nationals is a must.

Philadelphia ranks 22nd in starter ERA (5.10) in the season's early stages, while New York is 25th (5.62) in that category according to ESPN.com. Hence, one can only imagine the value of Minor - a reason why the Mets and the Phillies have expressed interest. At any rate, more teams could even join the fray.