Just Mets

Still believing David Wright will eventually return, the Mets would like to add a versatile bat via trade who can shift and start at another position when Wright returns.

It’s still not clear if Wright will play again this season, but according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the team doesn’t want to be, “boxed in” at third base if Wright gets back on the field.

As such, Rubin says it’s unlikely the Mets will consider Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez. The Mets believe Ramirez’s skills are diminishing anyway and don’t currently view him as an upgrade to what they have.

It’s also worth mentioning Ramirez is retiring at the end of the year is owed a large portion of his $14 million salary for 2015, which makes it very difficult for the club to give up anything of value for him anyway.

Once again, the best fit among all the possible players who could be available this summer remainsA’s utility player Ben Zobrist. Dodgers infielder Alex Guerrero fits this profile to a lesser extent, but would also be a very interesting player for the Mets to acquire.

There are multiple reports the club is interested in Zobrist after being interested in him over the winter. He can start at three or four positions on most teams (including the Mets right now), as he can play second base, shortstop, and the two corner outfield spots. He has struggled this year thanks in part to undergoing minor knee surgery in late April, but its a good bet the 34-year-old former All-Star will start to play like the player who has averaged 5.2 WAR per year over the last three years.

This past weekend, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports said the Mets feel they could be outbid by other teams who are willing to deal more in trade. Already, in addition to the Mets, the Yankees, Nationals and Cubs have reported interest in acquiring Zobrist.

Several sources indicated over the weekend the team was still very much in the window shopping phase for roster help, and not particularly active on anyone in particular just yet. It’s possible the Mets need to find a taker for one of their extra starting pitchers before making a deal for the bat or bats they need. Andy Martino of the Daily News recently said the Mets are reportedly trying to move both Dillon Gee and Jon Niese, which would certainly support that notion.

As for Wright, Rubin said there is nothing new on the condition of his back, as Dr. Watkins is away from his office in Los Angeles this week and the two couldn’t meet for their weekly progress update.