Omar Minaya said today he would make whatever deal he can to improve the Mets, even if that means trading Jenrry Mejia.
Speaking on WFAN, Minaya said, “You know the history of my time here, or the organization, when we get a chance to be able to get anybody who can help our team, we’re gonna try to do that, there’s no doubt about that.”
Mets players this week lobbied in the media for Minaya to pursue a trade for front-line starters Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt before next month’s deadline. Minaya said no Mets have brought up the topic to him, but answered a question that was put to them.
The GM did not rule out the scenario, however.
“When it comes to the trading deadline, we’re going to be involved,” Minaya said.
“We’re going to be definitely looking for a way to improve this team, we’re gonna be looking for pitching, and pitching that makes sense. Because there’s a possibility that some of the guys that are out there are not better than the guys we have.”
Asked if Mejia was “untouchable” in any possible deal, Minaya said he would do anything he could to protect young players, but “I don’t believe in putting untouchable labels on prospects.”
Minaya did not respond when asked if Mejia was sent to Double-A in part to showcase him as a starter for other teams. He said Bobby Parnell (called up from Triple-A) could fill the role Mejia had in the Mets’ bullpen, and Mejia could return to starting as was always his long-term role.
“We can take this time to develop Mejia, whether it’s gonna be for later in the year as a starter or later in the year as a reliever,” Minaya said.