Andrew Heaney, a left-handed starting pitcher aged 34, has become a notable name in trade discussions ahead of the July 31 deadline, as the New York Mets look to bolster their pitching depth. Currently playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Heaney has appeared in 19 games this season, delivering 98 innings with a 4-8 record and a 4.59 ERA, reflecting some challenges but still offering value as a rotation option.
Despite his inconsistent performance, Heaney remains a valuable asset due to his ability to provide innings as a back-end starter. His experience and versatility could be instrumental for the Mets, who need reliable arms behind their frontline pitchers, especially with injuries impacting their rotation.
Analysis of Heaney’s Pitching Performance and Style
Heaney’s 2025 metrics indicate a slightly below-average season, with an ERA+ of 93 and a WHIP of 1.25. His strikeout rate sits at 17.7%, while his walk rate is 8.0%, signaling control issues that have contributed to his inconsistent results. According to Baseball Savant, Heaney carries a -11 Pitching Run Value, underscoring some struggles in key pitching categories.
Heaney does not rely on overpowering velocity, averaging a 90 mph fastball, but he uses a diverse five-pitch mix that includes a four-seamer, changeup, and slider to keep hitters off balance. In prior seasons, he showed the ability to generate chase and swinging strikes effectively. However, this year his chase and whiff rates have dipped to moderate levels of 28.5% and 20.4%, respectively, which corresponds with overall regression in his performance.
His Stuff+ rating for the season is 94, just shy of the league average, indicating that while he is not dominant, he still possesses the necessary tools to contribute effectively to a major league pitching staff.
Details of the Proposed Trade Package
The rumored deal to acquire Heaney involves the Mets sending multiple young players to the Pirates. For the Mets, acquiring Heaney would add depth and veteran presence to their pitching staff, while the Pirates would receive prospects to aid their rebuilding efforts. The trade package reportedly includes:
- To Mets: Left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney
- To Pirates: Catcher Ronald Hernandez, ranked as the No. 25 prospect by MLB Pipeline
- To Pirates: Left-handed pitcher Franklin Gomez, currently unranked in prospect lists
This exchange allows the Mets to add a seasoned pitcher without a long-term commitment, as Heaney is under contract for $5.25 million this season only, fitting the profile of a rental player for a playoff push.
Implications and Strategic Value for Both Teams
For the Mets, acquiring Heaney addresses immediate rotation needs, especially given that Griffin Canning has been sidelined for the remainder of the season. Heaney could serve as a fifth or sixth starter, providing innings to preserve the health of the core rotation. He might also offer flexibility as a long reliever during the postseason, a role valuable in deep playoff runs.
The Pirates benefit by gaining two young, controllable players to support their future plans. Given Heaney’s potential departure in free agency after the season, the Pirates are unlikely to receive a significant return otherwise, making this a sensible transaction for both sides.
“Even with pitching in demand, it’s hard to see a world in which the Pirates get an out-of-this-world package for Heaney because of performance concerns.” —Anonymous analyst
“From the Mets’ prospective, with Griffin Canning on the shelf for the rest of the year and simply just to fill out innings down the stretch, bringing in Heaney as a veteran who can go every fifth or sixth turn in the rotation and potentially become a long man out of the bullpen for the playoffs could be worthwhile.” —Anonymous analyst
“The Pirates also recoup assets in this deal for a player that will likely walk this winter, making this a sensible move for both sides.” —Anonymous analyst