Report: New York Mets interested in trading for Jason Kipnis
The New York Mets have been relatively quiet so far this offseason. That could change soon though, as the team has reportedly expressed interest in trading for Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis.
The New York Mets have not made a lot of noise at the MLB Winter Meetings, but it looks like general manager Sandy Alderson is showing some interest in trading for a second baseman.
Earlier in the offseason, the Mets were reportedly interested in acquiring Ian Kinsler from the Detroit Tigers. However, Kinsler was traded to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Given that he is no longer a possibility, the Mets are shifting their focus to another second baseman.
On Thursday, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reported that the Mets have had serious discussions with the Cleveland Indians about Jason Kipnis.
Mets have had serious talks with Cleveland on Jason Kipnis this week, source tells SB Nation. There's been traction there. Fit looks even better with Kinsler to Anaheim.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 14, 2017
Kipnis, 30, still has three years remaining on his contract. He is owed $13.5 million next season and $14.5 million in 2019. Kipnis has a $16.5 million club option for the 2020 season with a $2.5 million buyout.
Last season, Kipnis battled a hamstring injury and had a few stints on the disabled list. He hit .232 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI in 90 games. Kipnis had a very good season in 2016, hitting .275 with 23 homers and 82 RBI in 156 games.
It is unclear right now what the Mets would have to give up to get Kipnis. The Indians would probably be more inclined to trade him if a team agrees to take on most of the remaining money on his contract. According to Marc Carig of Newsday, the Mets are actually more concerned with giving up prospects than taking on money.
When it comes to second base, source says Mets are actually more concerned about giving up talent (which is limited) than they are about taking on some money (go ahead, be skeptical). Anyway, that’s why the Mets have so much interest in Jason Kipnis.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 14, 2017
If this is the case, then the Mets might actually have a decent shot at landing Kipnis. The Indians will probably want at least a couple of minor leaguers in return for him, but it is unlikely that they will ask for high-level prospects. In the end, it will probably come down to how much of the remaining money on Kipnis’ contract the Mets are willing to take on.
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The Mets do not have a true second baseman on their roster right now, so trading for Kipnis would make a lot of sense. Asdrubal Cabrera can play second base if necessary, but he usually plays more on the left side of the infield. Cabrera will most likely start at third base next season. Not only could Kipnis help fill a position that the Mets do not have a lot of depth at, but he would also be a nice left-handed bat to add to the lineup.
Kipnis has a connection with new Mets manager Mickey Callaway, as Callaway was the pitching coach for the Indians from 2013-2017. This familiarity probably has at least something to do with the Mets having an interest in Kipnis.
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Alderson seems to be showing genuine interest in trading for Kipnis. He should find a way to get the deal done, as it makes too much sense for the New York Mets.