New York Mets Series Preview vs. Toronto Blue Jays June 15th-18th

Potential Trade Target?

Jun 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a single during the second inning in a game against the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

It has been no secret that the Mets have been looking to upgrade their lineup. They have been hammered by a rash of injuries to their lineup, losing David Wright, Daniel Murphy, Travis d’Arnaud and Dilson Herrera all at different times during the season. Unfortunately, most of those injuries came to their infield, where they already had question marks regarding Wilmer Flores at shortstop. While the injuries have been tough to overcome, they have found that Flores is a capable shortstop, especially at the plate, where he leads the Mets in home runs and RBI with 10 and 30 on the season.

But because of the injuries and uncertainty with Wright, the Mets are still in the market for an infielder. A couple of names have been floated out there, including veterans such as Ben Zobrist of the Oakland Athletics and Aramis Ramirez of the Milwaukee Brewers. Zobrist would provide the Mets with a super utility man capable of playing multiple positions; something that would be valuable in the NL, especially with a short bench the Mets like to play with. Ramirez would provide some veteran pop off the bench, but more recent sources say the Mets are not interested in him at the time.

People have also mentioned Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier. Frazier would require a large package of high level prospects because he produces at a high level and has a team friendly contract. The Mets may not be ready to relinquish that sort of talent, so maybe they would engage the Blue Jays in talks for Jose Bautista.

Bautista has struggled a little bit this season as he dealt with a shoulder injury, but is still producing power numbers with 11 home runs on the season. With the recent success of the Blue Jays, it is more unlikely that they will want to move one of their key pieces, but if they fall out of the race and want to start shipping out players to rebuild, the Mets should call about what it would take for Bautista, who could play either third base or a corner outfield spot for the Mets.

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