Mets trade rumors: Mets aren't ready to trade Alejandro De Aza yet

When the Mets unexpectedly re-signed Yoenis Cespedes last month, Alejandro De Aza—who was expected to platoon in center field with Juan Lagares when he was signed in December—was relegated to a bench role behind Cespedes, Lagares, Curtis Granderson, and Michael Conforto in the outfield.

But Ken Rosenthal says that the Mets aren't trying to trade De Aza yet. He mentions that left-handed-hitting outfielders David Murphy, Will Venable, and Matt Joyce are still available in free agency and that De Aza's $5.75 million salary for this season doesn't help matters, as few teams are willing spend that much on a backup outfielder. While the Mets cannot trade De Aza without his consent before June 15, Rosenthal says De Aza "almsot certainly" wouldn't block a deal that would get him more playing time.

De Aza spent the 2015 season with the Orioles, Red Sox, and Giants, and he hit .262/.333/.422 with seven home runs and seven stolen bases. For his career, he has hit .267/.331/.405. It might not be ideal for De Aza if he's relegated to a backup role on the 2016 Mets, but having De Aza around as a bench player and potential injury fill-in wouldn't be the end of the world for the team.