Report: Mets focused on 3B upgrade, in early talks on Donaldson
The New York Mets are in preliminary talks with the Minnesota Twins regarding former AL MVP Josh Donaldson as they seek potential upgrades at third base, according to Andy Martino of SNY.
Donaldson, 35, is hitting .250/.345/.486 with 13 homers and 34 RBIs over 63 games this season. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger is in the second season of a four-year, $92-million contract.
However, the Mets reportedly prefer to stay under MLB's $210-million luxury-tax threshold. New York's payroll roughly sits at $197 million, according to Cot's Contracts.
Mets third basemen rank eighth in the majors by offensive production from the position, according to FanGraphs. Jonathan Villar has hit .246/.333/.410 with six homers and eight steals over 61 games, while J.D. Davis, Luis Guillorme, and Brandon Drury have combined for 75 appearances at the hot corner. Both Villar and Davis are on the injured list, while Drury is in the minors.
New York has also reportedly shown interest in Chicago Cubs superstar Kris Bryant since the winter. However, it's apparently not clear if the Cubs will sell as they find themselves in contention.