The Mets and Pirates both wanted a refund and a retread.
The teams swapped disappointing lefties on Monday with Antonio Bastardo headed to Pittsburgh in return for Jon Niese. Bastardo, who thrived last season in Pittsburgh, was the key piece added to the Mets bullpen this offseason, but has pitched to a 4.74 ERA and maddened fans with his never-ending routine between pitches.
Niese was sent to the Pirates this offseason for Neil Walker, but was moved out of the Pirates rotation in early July and GM Neal Huntington later lamented the fact the team had traded for him in the first place.