Mets trade rumors: Mets making progress on trade for Tyler Clippard

The Mets are making progress on a deal for Oakland A's closer Tyler Clippard, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. There are still other teams in play—the Nationals among them—but a deal is expected soon. Any potential returns at this point are unknown.

At a quick glance, Clippard's 2.79 ERA in 37 games and 17 saves is something that would immediately help the Mets bridge the game to closer Jeurys Familia. A closer inspection does reveal some causes for concern. Clippard's 4.9 BB/9 ratio is the highest it's been since his 2009 season with the Nationals, and his 8.8 K/9 rate is the lowest of his career. Clippard is a free agent at the end of the season and was being paid $8.3 million by the A's this season.

The Mets and A's know each other's prospect pool's pretty well, with the two teams discussing a deal in the past that would have sent Rafael Montero to the A's for Ben Zobrist.