The New York Mets could be buyers at the trade deadline this season and players like Aramis Ramirez, Ben Zobrist, Jean Segura and Starlin Castro could be potential options for Sandy Alderson if he makes a deal and this comes as young pitcher Steven Matz will miss a month with a lat injury.
The Mets have been scuffling as of late on offense and while they are just a couple games out of a playoff spot, this lineup is not producing like it needs to be. David Wright has been injured and he may not be back until sometime in late August if at all, while Michael Cuddyer and Curtis Granderson have not played to expectations. According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Mets and Brewers have spoken about trades, including "discussions" about Ramirez and Segura.
The Mets have reportedly shown interest in Ben Zobrist and there were previous reports this season that Ramirez would be a target. The Mets have had issues at third base with Wright injured and the team has not been getting production from the left side of the infield or the outfield on a consistent basis. Morosi writes that the teams have had "trade talks recently" and the Mets have discussed both players.
The Brewers are expected to be big sellers at the deadline and the Mets are still within reach enough to make a move and try to get to the playoffs. Wilmer Flores and Ruben Tejada have not been producing enough on offense and trading with the Brewers could be an upgrade. The Mets need more out of that part of lineup and even though Ramirez and Segura are not hitting that great, they would be upgrades over what the Mets are putting out right now.
Ramirez is making $14 million and that could be an issue for the Mets and so it his age, as he is 37 and not getting any younger. The Mets are hoping to get Wright back soon, but it s not looking good and that may mean a deal. Zobrist can play numerous positions, including third base and he could be a fit for the Mets, according to Joel Sherman at the New York Post.
Sherman writes that the Mets are "willing to overpay" for Zobrist, but they could be in competition with other teams, including the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. Zobrist is 34 and is making $7.5 million, which is significantly cheaper than Ramirez. Zobrist was off to a slow start after dealing with knee surgery early in the season, but he has been more consistent heading into the All-Star break.
The Mets have been getting strong pitching this season and Steven Matz is another young player that was added to the mix, but he will be out with an injury for up to a month, according to the NY Times. Matz had a notable debut with four RBI in his first start for the Mets, but now he is dealing with a torn lat muscle and could be out for four weeks or more while recovering.
Check here for more on the Mets interest in the Brewers players, for more on the interest in Ben Zobrist and for info on the injury to Steven Matz.
