Report: Mets' Bautista, Mesoraco drawing trade interest

The last-place New York Mets are reportedly receiving interest in a pair of rental players, as teams are making contact regarding outfielder Jose Bautista and catcher Devin Mesoraco, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

The 37-year-old Bautista has been impressive with the Mets after a brief stint at third base for the Atlanta Braves.

The veteran slugger waited until the season started before agreeing to join the Braves. Bautista was eventually designated for assignment after 12 games, giving the Mets an opportunity to sign him as outfield depth. Over 51 games in New York, Bautista owns an impressive .235/.396/.432 slash line.

Despite Bautista's strong showing, the outfield is an area of strength going forward for the Mets, a team that has Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo to build around alongside Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce, though the latter two are sidelined right now due to injuries.

Mesoraco, 30, is on the final season of a four-year, $28-million extension he signed as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. The catcher was acquired by the Mets in early May in a deal that sent Matt Harvey to the Reds. In 64 games with two teams in 2018, Mesoraco owns a .230/.309/.399 slash line with eight home runs - hitting four percent worse than the league average by wRC+.

For teams looking to acquire catching help, Mesoraco might be a cheaper rental option than Miami Marlins backstop J.T. Realmuto or Wilson Ramos of the Tampa Bay Rays, who is currently injured.