The NY Mets have been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason involving Ike Davis and teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates or Baltimore Orioles could be interested, while New York could look to trade with the Seattle Mariners for Nick Franklin, Brad Miller or Justin Smoak over signing Stephen Drew as a free agent.
According to ESPN.com, the Pirates continue to be an option for Davis after reports that the team was interested came out earlier in the season and now they could be once again. The team has a hole at first base and while they could use Gaby Sanchez, the team is looking for other options and with Nelson Cruz gone and Kendrys Morales costing a pick, this could be a way to go instead. Justin Smoak or Mitch Moreland could be options as well, while the team may also look to someone from the minors to start the season if they can't find a better option.
The team made the playoffs last season and they could be looking for an upgrade heading into the start of spring training and after Davis was mentioned so much in trade rumors, many were surprised that he remained with the Mets. The free agent market still has players out there, but with qualifying offers on them they remain on the market and trading for Davis could cost less for those team. Andrew Lambo, Chris McGuiness and Travis Ishikawa are all options for the Pirates, but they have been looking at Davis for some time and after Sanchez hit .254 last season with seven home runs and 36 RBIs, they are hoping for more production.
The Orioles signed Nelson Cruz so they may be out for a trade, but rumors have the team still looking at Ervin Santana, so they could still be active and Davis' $3.5 million salary isn't too much to take on for one season. The Mariners could be looking to trade one of their shortstops in Brad Miller or Nick Franklin after Robinson Cano was signed, as Franklin played second base last season but those two players are originally shortstops. The Mets could be looking for an upgrade with Rueben Tejada and reports have the Mariners trading at least one of these players by opening day.
The Mariners have high hopes for both players and the 22 year old Franklin has a high upside despite hitting .225 last season, as he had 12 home runs and killed it in the minors. Miller is a former second round pick and is a fine shortstop and he hit .334 in the minors last season. Davis had a rough season in 2013 and is looking for a rebound.