Radio host proposes Mets trade former Cy Young winner for Yankees' ex-MVP

WFAN's Jerry Recco proposed a wild trade idea between the New York Mets and New York Yankees on Tuesday.

The radio host's blockbuster move for the struggling crosstown franchises would be a simple one for one deal: Max Scherzer for Giancarlo Stanton.

"I know that sounds crazy…but (Stanton) loves Citi Field," Recco said. "It makes you think.”

While both the Mets (43-50) and Yankees (50-45) are both out of the current playoff picture and may be in need of a shakeup, this swap wouldn't make much sense, particularly for the Bronx Bombers.

Though Stanton has had yet another injury-riddled season, he's still the team's best (and perhaps only) source of righthanded power at the moment. With Aaron Judge's immediate future very much in doubt, New York probably has to hang onto Stanton's bat.

Co-host Gregg Giannotti doesn't see the former NL MVP as a good fit with manager Buck Showalter's club either. This, despite admitting that he wants Scherzer and his $43M salary "out of (Queens) in the worst way.

"(Stanton) has performed well in the postseason for the Yankees ... but he has put together some brutal regular seasons for them," Giannotti said. "I want him to play in the field. I know there’s a DH in both leagues now, so it’s not like he has to, but I feel like he’s not a terrible defensive player, and I feel like he’s more locked in at the plate when he is in the field. If you could tell me he’d play a significant amount of outfield, why not?"

Stanton has 11 home runs and 29 RBI through 164 at-bats over 45 games this season but has also registered an anemic .201 batting average and .280 on-base percentage. Even with Judge missing significant time with multiple injuries this year, nearly two-thirds (29) of the 33-year-old Stanton's 45 games in 2023 have come as the designated hitter, with 14 in right field and one contest in left.

Trade rumors surrounding Scherzer are seemingly on the rise, as his contract, age and inconsistency this season have fueled the chatter. The Mets possible status as a trade deadline "seller" even led to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden suggesting in June that the team should consider moving both Scherzer and co-ace Justin Verlander.

"Mad Max" will turn 39 on July 27. The three-time Cy Young award is 8-3 this season, but his 3.99 ERA is his highest since 2011 and his 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings (while elite), is still his lowest mark since 2013.

The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 1.