Just Mets

The Mets are continuing to explore different ways on the external markets to improve their offense.

Among the names the Mets have been linked to is Aramis Ramirez, and Marc Carig of Newsday the Mets are weighing an opportunity to acquire the Brewers third baseman.

Jon Morosi of FOX Sports also says the Mets are engaged in what he described as preliminary discussions with Milwaukee on their infielders, although Adam Rubin of ESPN New York said both on Monday and on Tuesday the Mets remain unlikely to acquire Ramirez because of his diminishing skills at third base and his inability to move from the position if David Wright returns this season.

Additionally, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says there isn’t much traction in trade talks between the Mets and Brewers regarding Ramirez.

Any deal for Ramirez would require the Mets to take on the remainder of Ramirez’s $14 million salary for 2015, writes Carig, but would lessen the cost in prospects in trade.

After speaking with some people over the last few days, it’s possible the Mets may need to find a taker for one of their extra starting pitchers to accommodate a trade, or involve one of them in a deal for a bat. 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.

However, Rosenthal says the Brewers are not interested in Niese, and a deal involving Gee to Milwaukee seems remote at the present time.

In any case, Ramirez is certainly not an ideal fit, as Rubin said. He’s retiring, he’s a static player, and while he’s historically been a better second half player, who knows how much he has left in the tank. But, if the Mets can get him for a minimal return, it might be worth considering while also exploring other deals for more versatile options.

He’s owed about $9 million, so that can be a significant gamble for the team to take, especially if he continues to be unproductive. Unfortunately, the Mets may have to assume some risk and take a chance in order to get better, whether it’s a risk taken in Ramirez or another bat.

But perhaps the air of a pennant race and meaningful baseball would tap into Ramirez’s reserve down the stretch.

Ramirez is hitting just .213/.257/.390 with seven home runs and 18 RBI in 48 games this season.

Mets third basemen have hit .275/.344/.376 with three home runs this season.