New York Mets Rumors: Alejadro De Aza Not On Trade Block?
New York Mets Rumors: Despite his expected role no longer being on the table, it does not seem like the Mets are in a rush to move outfielder Alejadro De Aza.
The New York Mets had an extremely busy offseason as they looked to patch up some holes on their roster to improve their chances as repeating as National League pennant champions. While upgrading the middle infield and bullpen were important, one area the Mets wanted to shore up was the outfield.
With Yoenis Cespedes hitting the market and not expected to come back, the Mets needed to find some veteran help to try and replace his production. With Curtis Granderson locked into right field, and Michael Conforto ready to take over in left, the Mets were on the hunt for a platoon partner for Juan Lagares. They found one in Alejadro De Aza.
Related Story: New York Mets Prospects To Watch In 2016
The Mets signed the left-handed De Aza to a one-year, $5 million contract to be the southpaw platoon partner to the right-handed Lagares. He was set to play a prominent role for the Mets, as he would get a majority of the playing time against right-handed pitching. Lagares would play against left-handed pitchers and be used as a defensive replacement late in games.
But, the Mets shocked the baseball world a couple weeks after De Aza was signed by retaining Cespedes. Cespedes signed a massive three-year, $75 million contract with an opt out after the first season. He will earn $27 million in 2016, and will be the everyday centerfielder for the Mets, occasionally sliding over to left field when a lefty is on the mound.
More from Empire Writes Back
- Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
- Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
- Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
- PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
- Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!
With Cespedes back in the fold, De Aza’s role has greatly diminished. There will no longer be a platoon, as Cespedes will be in the lineup everyday with Conforto and Granderson flanking him. The only thing De Aza has going for him right now is that he is the only left-handed bat the Mets have on the bench, so he could still have an everyday role, he just won’t be in the starting lineup much.
De Aza has slide to the fifth outfield spot, making him someone that could be expendable for the Mets at some point. But, that point is not now. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets have not received any calls inquiring about the possibility of trading for De Aza, nor are they shopping him.
Was told yesterday the Mets haven't received calls about Alejandro De Aza - nor are they shopping him at this point.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) March 2, 2016
De Aza would have to agree to be traded prior to June 15th because he was signed by the Mets as a free agent this winter. There were some rumors in recent weeks that De Aza could be someone that the Texas Rangers would be interested in with Josh Hamilton already ailing, but those talks seem to have cooled off.
Despite the role he expected to be playing when signing with the Mets no longer being in the cards, it does not seem like De Aza will be moved any time soon. We are still very early in Spring Training, so there is no reason to add more players before evaluating the ones you already have on your team.
More ny sports: What was the biggest Mets trade in the last 20 years?
Expect De Aza trade rumors to pop up once we get close to the regular season once again, as injuries will inevitably occur, making teams re-evaluate their roster and potentially look for outside help.