The rumors are slowly becoming a reality. The New York Mets, who are dealing with countless injuries across their roster, are looking to upgrade their infield. They've been talking to the Milwaukee Brewers about a potential trade.
FOX Sports' Jon Morosi first tweeted that the Mets and Brewers "have had preliminary trade talks" and that New York was interested in Milwaukee's position players. Previous rumors suggested the Mets were interested in Brewers' shortstop Jean Segura and third baseman Aramis Ramirez as they hope to upgrade at shortstop and find a stable option at third base as David Wright and Daniel Murphy nurse their injuries.
Marc Carig of Newsday provided more specifics on the development.
"With their offense languishing and with uncertainty still lingering over the health of David Wright, sources told Newsday on Wednesday that the Mets are weighing a trade for Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez," he wrote last night.
"Shortstop Jean Segura also could prove to be a potential fit, but according to a source, the Brewers appear unlikely to make him available."
At this point, a deal for Ramirez seems the most likely because of the team's current situation at third base. Additionally, although swirling rumors implied the Mets wanted to find a better option than Wilmer Flores at shortstop, general manager Sandy Alderson has repeatedly expressed having patience with the youngster. Flores is also tied for the team lead with nine home runs and is second in RBIs with 27, so his offensive production perhaps has the Mets maintaining their faith.
Carig notes that any deal for Ramirez will "hinge less on prospects and more on the Mets' willingness to absorb a sizable portion" of the remaining dollars on the third baseman's contract. The veteran came into the season earning $14 million and is now owed roughly $8.8 million the rest of the way.
New York is unsure of Wright's status as he's suffering from spinal stenosis and has no timetable for a return. The club is also ramping up their efforts to trade pitchers Dillon Gee and Jon Niese to make room for prospect pitcher Steven Matz, who is crushing the competition at Triple-A Las Vegas.
If they were hoping to unload one of those pitchers to Milwaukee for Ramirez, they might be out of luck. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported there is "little traction" between the two clubs regarding a deal for Ramirez right now and that Milwaukee is not interested in Niese, who is owed $9 million in 2016.
The Mets are only a half-game behind the Washington Nationals for first place in the NL East. They've maintained success thus far with so many injuries, but it'll be hard if they continue to push their luck as the season progresses. Owner Fred Wilpon may have to open up his pockets if he wants his team to stand a chance at making the postseason.
The trade deadline is still far away, so the two clubs have plenty of time to discuss potential trades.
UPDATE: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says the Mets don't see Ramirez as a fit right now and still hope to get Wright back.
