Mets trade rumors: Rangers monitoring Alejandro De Aza

The Texas Rangers are "keeping tabs on the trade market for Alejandro De Aza," writes JP Morosi of FOX Sports. The veteran outfielder is among the Rangers' options if Josh Hamilton, who underwent surgery to treat a left knee injury last September, misses any time. Texas is also considering free agents David Murphy and Will Venable, both of whom have played for the Rangers before.

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com listed in-house alternatives such as Justin Ruggiano, Joey Gallo, and former Met Ike Davis as potential bats to replace Hamilton in the lineup. De Aza, however, has more recent everyday playing experience, starting an average of 119 games in the outfield over the past three seasons. De Aza's $5.75 million price tag could loom large if Hamilton only requires a brief DL stint.

The Mets haven't shown any urgency to move De Aza, who is slated for a bench role with the team ever since it re-signed Yoenis Cespedes.