Mets’ trade for Jason Kipnis reportedly nixed by ‘Mets higher-ups’

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the New York Mets and Cleveland Indians nearly had a trade in place that would have sent Jason Kipnis to New York.

Per Heyman’s report, people on both sides had thought they had a deal. ‘Top officials’ within the Mets organization quashed the deal after deeming Kipnis not a “good value.” It seems likely that ‘top officials’ means ownership, which would track with their reputation as being less open to spending on players they don’t personally think make sense for the team. Kipnis is guaranteed $30.5 million over the next two seasons, less than the 3 year/$39 million contract given to Jay Bruce last night.

Perhaps their opinion was informed by his sub-par 2017 season, where he slashed .232/.291/.414 and hit 12 home runs. Kipnis is a career .268/.340/.422 hitter who had a career year, power wise, in 2016, slugging 23 home runs.

As Heyman goes on to report, the Mets are still seeking help at second base. He writes that Neil Walker is uninterested in returning due to a rocky departure. The Mets do not seem to have interest in Starlin Castro, who recently requested a trade from the Marlins. One cheaper solution at second base seems to be Jose Reyes, who apparently would like to return to the club.

The Mets are reported to still be engaged in trade talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates for second baseman Josh Harrison, who has one year and two team options remaining on his contract. Harrison is owed $10.25 million in 2018.