Mets Trade Deadline Rumblings:
- MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal has reported that the Brewers asked teams interested in Jonathan Lucroy on Thursday “to make offers that met minimum standard.” Rosenthal reported that the Mets were one of the teams to have made an offer for the All-Star catcher. The Mets previously offered Travis d’Arnaud for Lucroy straight up but were rejected. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mets put an offer together that includes both d’Arnaud and a top prospect such as shortstop Gavin Cecchini who is having a great year at Triple-A Las Vegas. Stay tuned because it seems Lucroy is more likely than not to be dealt before the deadline.
- SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo has reported that the Mets have been in discussion with the Pirates about a reunion with pitcher Jon Niese. Cotillo did mention however that the Mets aren’t being too aggressive on the starting pitcher market. While I’m sure the Mets could get Niese off the Pirates hands for a low price, I’m not sure I would go that route. Niese is having arguably his worst season as a starter as he has been shifted to the Pirates bullpen, and he seemed to throw the Mets organization under the bus after he was traded to Pittsburgh in the offseason. I believe the Mets are just doing due diligence, and I don’t expect the Mets to go in that direction with Logan Verrett pitching well as of late.
- ESPN Buster Olney is reporting that the Mets are showing interest in acquiring Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. Olney cites that the Mets are looking for offense on the trade market, and Bruce would also provide the Mets insurance in case Yoenis Cespedes walks after this season. The Mets originally made an offer for Jay Bruce last year leading up to the Trade Deadline and offered pitcher Zack Wheeler. Olney cited that the Reds wanted more from the Mets on the morning of the deadline, not just Wheeler. I’m not exactly sure what the Reds are asking for considering Bruce is having a MUCH better season than he did last season, and I’m sure they are selling high. At this point however I don’t see where Bruce would fit as the Mets have a crowded outfield as it is in both corner outfield positions, but it’s clear they are looking for an impact bat. The Mets have now been connected to two big offensive players and it’s clear that Sandy Alderson is showing frustration with the Mets offense this season.
Above The Mendoza 