Report: Rays showing interest in Mets' Reed, Duda
Four days.
The July 31 trade deadline is fast approaching, and the New York Mets are one team expected to make a deal or two. New York is nine games back of a wild-card spot and has a number of expiring contracts on its roster.
Although outfielders Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson apparently aren't generating much interest, two others - Addison Reed and Lucas Duda - may have a potential suitor.
The Tampa Bay Rays are showing interest in the pair, a source confirmed to Marc Carig of Newsday, who reports the two sides could come to an agreement on a package deal.
Reed, 28, has done an admirable job filling in as the Mets' closer for the injured Jeurys Familia this season, securing 18 saves in 20 chances while posting a 2.63 ERA and striking out one hitter per inning.
Reed could be a pricey option for the Rays - he's due the remainder of his $7.75-million salary for this season - but his effectiveness has been proven over the past 2.5 campaigns.
Reed with Mets:
| YEAR | G | W-L | ERA | WHIP | SO/9 | SV | SVO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015* | 17 | 1-1 | 1.17 | 1.04 | 10.0 | 1 | 3 |
| 2016 | 80 | 4-2 | 1.97 | 0.94 | 10.5 | 1 | 5 |
| 2017 | 47 | 1-2 | 2.63 | 1.13 | 9.0 | 18 | 20 |
* began season with Arizona
Meanwhile, the Rays aren't the first team to show interest in Duda, who has 17 home runs and an .879 OPS to his credit.
The Yankees sent scouts to take a look at the 31-year-old last week, but the two teams from New York rarely pull off trades.
Duda is owed the remainder of his $7.25-million salary before becoming a free agent at season's end.