Report: Braves asking Mets for Harvey or deGrom in return for Simmons
The Atlanta Braves are initially demanding a steep price in a potential trade involving shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
Atlanta began dangling the defensive wizard in trade talks Wednesday, and the New York Mets weren't happy when they inquired about Simmons' availability Thursday morning, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
The Braves are reportedly requesting hurlers Matt Harvey or Jacob deGrom in return for the two-time Gold Glover, which immediately soured trade talks between the two clubs.
Related: Braves discussing trade involving Simmons
Simmons wouldn't solve the Mets' offensive shortfalls: The 26-year-old is a career .256/.304/.362 hitter and has just 31 homers and 168 RBIs over four seasons. However, his .988 fielding percentage ranked second among big-league shortstops, and his 3.5 defensive wins above replacement was tops at the position last year.
Acquiring Simmons also requires a significant long-term financial commitment. He's under contract through the 2020 season and is still owed $53 million over the duration of the deal. Even so, the Braves have reportedly fielded calls from roughly half the teams in the majors since putting him on the trade block.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson was adamant earlier this month about keeping his young stable of starting pitchers intact for next season, saying he had no desire to trade an arm in order to address his club's offensive deficiencies.