This is a sneaky good move for the Rams.
Trading for McDuffie helps the Rams now, taking Simpson helps the Rams once Stafford retires. Was it too high to take Simpson? They secure their QB of the future and with McVay, I have very little doubt Simpson will become a solid QB.
So if the Mets had walked Nico, does Hoerner steal 2nd or does he stay put at 1b?
If Hoerner does steal 2nd, would the Mets have pitched to Busch with men on 2nd and 3rd or Bregman with the bases loaded?
To me, Mendoza was in a no-win situation.