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The Yankees have contacted the Mets about trading for both Addison Reed and Lucas Duda, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Reed and Duda, both free agents after the 2017 season, figure to be two of the Mets’ most sought-after players. With the July 31 trade deadline looming, the Yankees sit three and a half games behind the Red Sox in the AL East while currently occupying the second AL Wild Card spot. They have lost seven of their last 10 while getting virtually no production from their first basemen, so Duda seems like a particularly good fit. For the season, the 31-year-old slugger is hitting .248/.355/.550 with 16 home runs in 259 plate appearances. The Yankees have also been linked to Justin Bour of the Marlins and Yonder Alonso of the Athletics.
Reed should have about as much trade appeal as any player on the market. Essentially every team could use bullpen help, and Reed is having another strong season. The 28-year-old reliever has a 2.47 ERA and a 2.91 FIP with 15 saves in 17 chances. The Yankees know a thing or two about trading top relief talent, having received elite prospects in return for Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller around last year’s trade deadline. While Reed is not quite on that level, he should still net the Mets a nice return, as he may be the best reliever available. Also working in the Mets’ favor: With 10 teams within six games of the second AL Wild Card spot, it is shaping up to be a seller’s market.