MLB Rumors: New York Mets dangling Ike Davis in trade talks again

To say that the New York Mets and Ike Davis have had an eventful off-season would be an understatement indeed.

First the team wanted to trade him. Then they changed their mind. Then they went back and forth a couple more times on whether or not the 26-year-old first baseman was available in a trade. Then last week Davis was battling a calf injury to the point that the team was wondering if he will have to open the season on the disabled list.

All of which brings us to the return of those darn trade rumors, as the Mets are reportedly dangling Davis in trade talks once again. From Adam Rubin of ESPN.com:

"Sandy Alderson has started to approach teams with whom he had talks during the winter to see if there is any existing trade interest in Ike Davis, a source familiar with that renewed dialogue told ESPNNewYork.com.”"

Rubin then lists the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, and Houston Astros as teams potentially interested in Davis. He also reports that Lucas Duda might be available in a trade, but one would have to assume that is more of a back-up plan if they cannot find a deal for Davis.

Teams in need of help at first base still have two of the options that were available to them in the cold of winter: sign free agent Kendrys Morales and give up a draft pick or work out a deal for Davis. Morales is probably more of a sure thing offensively while Davis offers more risk but also more upside. Of that group of teams, the Pirates stand out as the one that could stand to make a bold move.