The NY Mets are looking at the trade market at the deadline with Ben Zobrist as a top target with the Oakland Athletics and reports have the A's looking at Rafael Montero in a deal and this comes as players like Troy Tulowitzki, Justin Upton, Yoenis Cespedes, Gerardo Parra, Will Venable and Chris Johnson could be targets, while general manager Sandy Alderson may consider a call-up with Michael Conforto, as David Wright has still not returned.
The Mets are looking to add a bat at the deadline, as they are right in the playoffs mix in the division and the wild card, but the offense has been anemic. According to the New York Daily News, the Mets and Athletics have been "discussing pieces" that could be in a potential deal for Zobrist. Sources reported that there are prospects that the A's could be interested in for Zobrist, who can play multiple positions in the infield and the outfield.
Hardball Talk reported earlier in the season that the team was willing to "overpay" for Zobrist and now the talks have moved towards exchanging names. The deadline is just over a week away and the Mets have major needs in the outfield and infield. Zobrist can play in both areas and he could help the team at third, as David Wright has been out with an injury. Michael Cuddyer has also been injured and he has not been hitting consistently either. The team needs offense and Zobrist can help provide a spark.
The 34-year-old is likely to get traded, as the A's are out of the mix and Zobrist is heading towards free agency. Hardball Talk reports that the Nationals, Giants and Yankees also have interest in Zobrist. The Chicago Cubs have also been mentioned, as Zobrist previously played for Joe Maddon in Tampa. Zobrist dealt with some injuries earlier in the season with the A's, but he has been picking it up lately and he is hitting .259 this season with five home runs and 32 RBI in 62 games.
David Wright has been out with an injury and his return is up in the air. The New York Post reports that the Mets are now considering bringing up Michael Conforto, who was the first round pick from the teal last year. The Mets have been reluctant to bring him up to the majors before he is ready. Newsday reports that if Cuddyer is put on the DL, Conforto could get called up.
Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reported on the discussions with the Mets and A's, but later Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that there are "no active" talks between the two teams about Zobrist. Either way, the Mets have previously been interested in Zobrist and according to SB Nation, Rafael Montero could be the piece that gets the deal done. Montero is a young prospect that has shown potential and the Mets could be reluctant to trade him with Zobrist likely being a rental player heading into free agency.
According to John Harper of the New York Daily News, the teams have talked about a deal earlier in the season and that sources on "both sides" have reported about the talks. The Athletics are currently looking like sellers and right now "no deal is close" between the Mets and A's. Zobrist had knee surgery earlier in the season, but he is expected to be a top target at the trade deadline.
Check here for more on the Mets and A's discussions about Zobrist and the call up for Conforto.