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Mets Trade Rumors: New York asked Athletics about Josh Reddick, Ben Zobrist

By Kyle Franzoni

Jul 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) reacts after hitting a grand slam home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) reacts after hitting a grand slam home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets are hot on the trail for outfield help, and that includes looking at Oakland Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick.

Entering play on Friday, and with just one week remaining until the MLB Trade Deadline, the New York Mets rank 29th in runs scored and 30th in team batting average. Yet, they still sit just three games back in the National League East, a division they’ve led much of the season. With that kind of offensive production, it has been no secret that the Mets have been looking for upgrades throughout their line-up.

Next: Five players that could shape the MLB Trade Deadline

The Mets are currently scouring the market while trying to fill holes at third base, shortstop, and in the outfield. While one such target came off the board on Thursday, when third baseman Aramis Ramirez was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Mets appear to have their attention split between trying to fill the outfield hole and assessing their infield needs. And that attention has them firmly in talks with the Oakland Athletics.

Per Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, Sandy Alderson has been in contact with Billy Beane and the conversations have centered around two players in particular; Josh Reddick and Ben Zobrist.

In Reddick, the Mets would receive an immediate upgrade from an outfielder that could play either corner and push the currently-injured Michael Cuddyer into a platoon role for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old is in the last year of salary arbitration, making him more than a rental player. That’s good, considering he’s in the middle of a career year while slashing .283/.455/.794 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI. At 2.3 WAR and with a wRC+ of 125, Reddick would instantly assert himself as the top offensive player on the Mets.

Of course, there is a question as to his availability. Martino notes that the A’s appear “dubious to trade him”, but we’re talking about Billy Beane here, a guy that will listen on everyone and isn’t afraid to make a deal. Given how vocal Reddick has been over the last two seasons about other trades the team has made, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him moved as well.

On the other hand we have Ben Zobrist, a player the Athletics are very openly shopping. Zobrist is in the final year of his deal, but he is heavily coveted on the market, a product of his ability to play everywhere and bring a plus bat with him. After a slow start, Zobrist is not slashing .254/.344/.415 with five home runs and 32 RBI, albeit in just 64 games. His ability to play at short, second, third, or in the outfield would make him an instant upgrade at any of the aforementioned positions, although the Mets would likely in the middle of the infield.

Of course, the real question will be whether the Mets choose to make a move at all. They may have thrown up the white flag in the outfield on Friday when they recalled top prospect Michael Conforto from Double-A Birmingham. Such a promotion would not be made for part-time duty, so this may be a sign that the Mets are resigned to not adding an outfield piece at this time.

Next: MLB Trade Deadline: Baseball's Untouchable Prospects

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