Mets trade rumors: Mets in market for reliever, Tyler Clippard unlikely

While a blockbuster deal remains unlikely, the Mets are all but certain to add a middle reliever before the August 1 trade deadline, Newsday’s Marc Carig reports.

The market will likely be awash in mid-tier arms who will cost few prospects, and the Mets have been specifically linked to former Mets sidearmer Joe Smith—who has a 4.32 ERA for the Angels—Huston Street, Will Smith, Jeremy Jeffress. One pitcher who probably won’t be coming to New York: Tyler Clippard. Arizona has made the former Met available, but the NY Post’s Mike Puma reports the Mets’ lack interest because Clippard is under contract for 2017.

Carig notes that the Mets continue to monitor what Jon Heyman has called “The worst starting pitching market ever,” but with the class so thin, acquiring any arm could require a significant haul. The biggest name moved so far, Drew Pomeranz, owned a career 4.07 ERA entering the season and commanded a top-50 in return.

Dispelling rumors the Mets may pursue a trade for the newly available Todd Frazier, manager Terry Collins told Carig that he was comfortable playing Jose Reyes at third base for the foreseeable future. In 12 games since his return to New York, Reyes has hit hit .213/.269/.511. He has just four hits in his last 23 at-bats.

The Mets have hinted at an unwillingness to trade the young players necessary to acquire a star of that caliber, namely Michael Conforto and 20-year-old shortstop prospect Amed Rosario.