Mets' trades of co-aces a win for all teams involved

The Mets' trades of star pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander appear to be resounding successes in their early stages — and not just for New York.

Nearly one month after the Aug. 1 trade deadline — during which the Mets opened up shop and commenced an "everything must go" fire sale — the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros have greatly benefited from sporting new aces at the top of their rotations.

Since joining the Rangers, Scherzer has rediscovered the success that evaded him in the latter half of his tenure with the Mets. Over four starts, the three-time Cy Young Award winner boasts a 3-1 record with a 2.66 ERA and 30 strikeouts. 

“He’s just so good. He’s so well prepared,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said following a Scherzer win earlier this month, per MLB.com.

Verlander has displayed similar dominance with the Astros, going 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 22 strikeouts in four starts. The 40-year-old turned in his best performance since returning to Houston in his most recent outing, pitching six shutout innings against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.

In return for their former co-aces, the Mets received a collection of promising young prospects — several of whom have begun to make an immediate impact in the minors.

Luisangel Acuña, the 21-year-old shortstop acquired in the Scherzer deal, has impressed in his short time with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies — the Mets' Double-A affiliate. Despite getting off to a slow start, New York's top prospect and No. 40 overall prospect in baseball has showcased the athleticism and versatility that has earned him such a high ranking. Over 20 games in Binghamton, he's is batting .250 with 10 stolen bases while splitting time between shortstop and second base.

Acuña's new teammate in Double-A, outfielder Drew Gilbert, has shined even brighter. After being sent to New York in the Verlander trade, MLB's No. 56 overall prospect sports a 328/.377/.522 slash line in addition to three home runs and 14 RBI over 18 games. 

Outfielder Ryan Clifford, whom the Astros also dealt in the Verlander trade, has struggled in High-A — batting just .188 — but has three home runs. 

The Rangers and Astros should be pleased by their new pitchers' production as they push for the playoffs. Entering play Friday, Texas is one game atop the AL West while Houston is one game behind, tied with Seattle for a wild-card spot and second in the West. 

As for the Mets, New York can now look to its farm system as a bright spot in an otherwise lost season.