For about five weeks of Byrd and Buck, the Mets get a very solid second-base prospect in Herrera. Playing full-time at age 19 in the low Class A Sally League, Herrera has shown somewhat surprising pop, with a .156 isolated power and 41 extra-base hits in 109 games. He's got a simple, quiet approach, just loading his hands a little higher than he should, with adequate hip rotation for 15-20 homer power at his peak.
He's an above-average runner whose speed hasn't translated into baserunning value, and is presently a fringy defender at second but should develop into an above-average glove given time and instruction. I'd call him a future everyday second baseman, a solid regular with a chance to be an above-average one.
I'm told by multiple sources that the Mets will receive another player to be named who is a "solid" piece, enough to make this deal even better for New York. Given how little sense there seemed to be in retaining Byrd at the July trade deadline, this is a very positive result for Mets fans after this week's other less fortunate news.
