Mets trade rumors: Ruben Tejada a potential trade target for Cardinals?

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada may be on the trade block. Maria Guardado of NJ.com suggests that the St. Louis Cardinals might be interested in the 26-year-old Panamanian. Cardinals everyday shortstop Jhonny Peralta tore a ligament in his thumb earlier this week, and is expected to miss the first two to three months of the season.

The Cardinals traded for Padres utility man Jedd Gyorko back in December, who could provide some depth for the team at shortstop. Otherwise, the Cardinals only have internal options to fill the position, and ESPN's Jim Bowden argued that Tejada is one of the Cardinals' most realistic trade targets before the season gets underway.

The Mets have solid depth in the middle infield heading into 2016, having acquired Neil Walker from the Pirates and signing Asdrubal Cabrera in the offseason. Wilmer Flores will also be used across the infield.

Indeed, Tejada may be an expendable surplus for the Mets. Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reported that Tejada's status on the 25-man roster is uncertain. Tejada is set to earn $3 million this season. Ackert notes that the contract is not guaranteed, meaning that should the Mets cut Tejada before Opening Day, they will only be responsible for either 30 or 45 days' worth of pay.

Tejada hit .261/.338/.350 in 407 plate appearances last year. He garnered national attention in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, when the Dodgers' Chase Utley slid wide of second base to break up a double play. Tejada's leg was broken, and spurred the adoption of new slide rules by Major League Baseball.