Report: Mets, Duda discussing long-term contract extension

The New York Mets believe Lucas Duda isn't just a one-hit wonder.

The club and the first baseman are engaged in long-term contract extension talks, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Negotiations are in the preliminary phase, however, and Duda plans to shut down talks once the season begins to avoid distractions.

The 29-year-old broke out with a 30-homer campaign in 2014 and is under team control through the 2017 season.

The team's major concern with Duda is his inability to consistently hit left-handed pitching. He hit only .190 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 111 at-bats versus southpaws last season, but raked right-handers at a .273 clip with 28 long balls and 82 RBIs.

Mets ownership and general manager Sandy Alderson always pay close attention to their spending and rarely make sizable financial commitments to players. Third baseman David Wright is the only player on the roster with a contract beyond 2017.