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New York Mets Rumors: Could Alejandro De Aza Be Moved To Texas Rangers?

By Kenneth Teape

Sep 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants base runner Alejandro De Aza slides into home to score on a wild pitch in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants base runner Alejandro De Aza slides into home to score on a wild pitch in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Mets Rumors: With Yoenis Cespedes being re-signed, Alejandro De Aza does not have a role with the Mets; could he be a trade target of the Texas Rangers?

The New York Mets had a strong offseason, greatly improving their weakest spots from the team in 2015; the bullpen and bench depth. One of the moves made to improve the depth on the bench was signing outfielder Alejandro De Aza.

De Aza was expected to fill in the fourth outfielder role, platooning with centerfielder Juan Lagares. Lagares’ production overall fell off in 2015, but his splits were still strong against left-handed pitching, which made the Mets want a platoon partner for him. De Aza was expected to be that partner, but the Mets offseason plans unexpectedly changed.

When Yoenis Cespedes was met with a colder than expected market, the Mets took advantage. They were able to retain Cespedes on a three-year deal with an opt-out after the first season. Cespedes will earn $27 million in 2016, so everyone comes away happy; Cespedes gets paid, and the Mets avoid handing out the long-term contract they were hesitant to give to anyone.

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But, one person who may not be happy with how the Cespedes situation turned out is De Aza. Expecting to play semi-regularly, that plan is now out the window. Instead of platooning with Lagares, De Aza will now be the fifth outfielder in what has become a very deep unit, with Cespedes being joined flanked in the starting lineup more often than not by Michael Conforto in left field and Curtis Granderson in right.

Because of that, there are some people that think the Mets will try and trade De Aza before the season starts to try and add depth to another spot on the team; maybe a true backup first baseman or another bullpen arm? One team that may be interested in De Aza is the Texas Rangers.

According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Rangers are keeping an eye on a number of potential options to help bolster the team’s outfield. With Josh Hamilton already having problems with his surgically repaired left knee, the Rangers have to keep their options open in case he is unable to play when the season gets underway.

The trade would make sense, but Morisi also said that nothing is imminent currently on the trade front. With Spring Training barely getting underway, teams have to see what they have first before making decisions. Another obstacle with trading for De Aza is that he can turn down any trade, since the Mets just signed him this offseason to a one-year deal worth $5.75 million.

Next: What was the most impactful trade the Mets have made?

De Aza will continue to pop up in trade rumors because the Mets do not have a clear need for him currently, and there are other teams that could use his services. But, unless it is something he okays, he will be entering the season as a member of the Mets new and improved bench.

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