He was a top 30 pitcher in the league each of the past two seasons. So, again I ask, how many "good" pitchers do you think there are? Only 20 or so?
Because if you're arguing he's not a top 20 pitcher, I agree. If you're saying he's not top 40, you're out of your mind.
I don't think he's top 50. He was also the 4th best pitcher on the Mets. The loss likely won't effect them in the long run they planned ahead and got Stroman who's better at the deadline. 2018 looks like an outlier on his injury prone career. He was healthy last season but wasn't that great and was the 4th best Pitcher on his team post deadline. 3rd best before the deadline on a team that was down right terrible.
So good for him he performed at a mediocre level in 19 with zero expectations. He performed top 40 in 18 with even less expectations. I'll ask again. Name the last time a team signed a pitcher known for being injury prone and more for his "Stuff" then production that worked out for the team?
Those contracts don't work out. Even with your argument he's a top 40 pitcher he's going to be a top 15 paid pitcher next season. That represents terrible value. He Will never live up to his contract. He's also going from Citi Field to Citizens Bank Ballpark. Going from an extremely pitcher friendly park to a hitters paradise.