3 Mets Prospects Who Should Be Off Limits in Winter Trade Talks

While Brodie Van Wagenen's potential as an MLB general manager is still yet to be determined, his first year at the helm for the New York Mets certainly indicated that he's in a win-now mode.

Of course, BVW gave up Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn -- the Amazins' No. 3 and No. 4 prospects at the time -- to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz last winter. They also flipped Anthony Kay to the Jays for Marcus Stroman.

The Mets simply cannot afford to undergo a similar blow to their farm system this offseason, so let's highlight some of the club's top prospects that should be tabbed untouchable in potential trade talks.

3. C Francisco Alvarez

Francisco Alvarez is the Mets No.5 ranked prospect according to MLB.com / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

When was the last time the Mets produced a homegrown, elite, and everyday catcher on their roster? No, Travis d'Arnaud, despite his excellent season with the Rays, doesn't count. He was far too inconsistent and injury prone during his time in Queens. Alvarez, however, has the chance to be the club's catcher of the future. He turned 18 in November and was the Mets' best hitter in their farm system in 2019. Across 182 plate appearances in Rookie Ball, Alvarez slashed .312/.407/.510 with 7 home runs and 26 RBI. The value in flaunting an elite catcher in today's game cannot be understated. Therefore, BVW shouldn't even entertain the thought of including the Venezuelan native in trade packages.

2. RHP Matt Allan

Matt Allan is the Mets' No.4 ranked prospect according to MLB.com / Mark Brown/Getty Images

Mets fans should begin getting excited about Matt Allan, their No. 4 ranked prospect. He could end up in their rotation in a few years time. The right-handed hurler was selected in the third-round of the 2019 Draft, and most pundits view him as an absolute steal. Heck, he managed to appear in 10 innings for the Brooklyn Cyclones during their playoff run after being drafted. New York must hold onto him to see if he lives up to the hype.

1. SS Ronny Mauricio

Shorstop Ronny Mauricio is the Mets' No.1 prospect according to MLB.com / Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

No, we do not care that Amed Rosario took the long-awaited jump this past season. Mauricio, just 18-years-old, is too valuable and lauded to give up. The young shortstop was productive for the Columbia Fireflies in 2019, hitting .268/.307/.357 alongside four home runs (he isn't a power hitter), five triples, and 20 doubles. Rosario could be headed for free agency by the time Mauricio is MLB-ready too. For the sake of fans in Flushing, let's hope that Van Wagenen is aware of Mauricio's potential and rejects any trade offers for him.