Nearly a week after trading closer Jeurys Familia to the Oakland Athletics - and with starter Zack Wheeler reportedly being targeted by multiple teams - the New York Mets are apparently shopping two more of their veteran players.
The Mets are hopeful they can trade outfielder Jose Bautista and catcher Devin Mesoraco before Tuesday's non-waiver deadline, according to Fancred's Jon Heyman, who added that both players could be candidates to bring back international bonus pool money.
The 37-year-old Bautista has been a solid contributor for the Mets since signing for the major-league minimum in May. A six-time All-Star, he owns an .803 OPS in 58 games with the team, and has racked up 12 doubles, 37 walks, and 24 RBIs.
Mesoraco was the return when New York traded Matt Harvey to the Cincinnati Reds at the beginning of May. In 50 games for the Mets, the 30-year-old - who's set to become a free agent in the offseason - has slashed .229/.307/.401.
"I would be super excited to go to a team that is in playoff contention. No doubt about it,” Mesoraco told Howie Kussoy of the New York Post after Sunday's 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"That's the goal, to get to the playoffs, and win a lot of games. I'm not tied here through next year or anything like that, but I am very grateful to the Mets for taking a chance on me because that’s what they did."
