Mets don’t plan to trade Lucas Duda

There had been a lot of speculation at the Winter Meetings about whether or not the Mets would trade Jay Bruce or Curtis Granderson—or both. But one thing the Mets won’t do is trade Lucas Duda and move an outfielder to first base. Sandy Alderson shot down the idea this morning, saying the Mets are “not contemplating” such a move.

Duda, who is set to be a free agent after the 2017 season, spent most of last year on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his back. When he did see the field, his production was hampered by his injury. Duda managed just 153 at-bats in 2016, hitting .229/.302/.412. He went on the DL in May but returned in September for a few pinch-hitting assignments. The Mets tendered him a contract for the 2017 season, his last year of arbitration eligibility.

Despite the numerous rumors involving Bruce and Granderson, the Mets concluded the Winter Meetings without making a move. Alderson has said that the Mets’ payroll, which currently sits around $150 million, will be lower on Opening Day, indicating one of the two outfielders will likely be moved. Texas and Toronto have reportedly asked about Bruce, while Baltimore expressed some interest in Granderson. Michael Conforto is also not considered untouchable, but a trade involving him is much less likely.