Source: Lucroy deal still on Mets’ radar
The Mets and Brewers were talking again Thursday, an industry source confirmed, with Jonathan Lucroy the subject of those trade discussions.
It’s clear the Brewers intend to deal the All-Star catcher before Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline, but what’s less evident is whether the Mets are willing to part with prized prospects in a deal.
The Indians, Tigers, Rangers and Astros are among the other teams that have been linked to the lefty-hitting Lucroy, whose contract with the Brewers carries a team option through 2017.
Any Mets deal with the Brewers likely would have to include Travis d’Arnaud, but the team is hesitant to deal top prospects such as Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith, according to sources.
The Mets are much more likely to strike a deal for a reliever. Among the relievers the Mets have discussed are the Braves’ Jim Johnson and the Angels’ Joe Smith.
Juan Lagares’ season could be in jeopardy, as the Mets prepare to place the outfielder on the disabled list because of a setback with his left thumb.
Brandon Nimmo was summoned from Triple-A Las Vegas and likely will be activated Friday. The move would leave Yoenis Cespedes as the team’s only righty hitting outfielder.
If Lagares, who has been playing with a torn ligament in his thumb, needs surgery, his season would likely be finished. Lagares was placed on the DL last month because of the thumb.
Michael Conforto, Alejandro De Aza and Nimmo would be the center field options without Lagares. The Mets’ preference is to play Nimmo in a corner outfield spot.
Cespedes was absent from the starting lineup because of a “flare-up” in his right quadriceps. Cespedes entered as a pinch hitter in the seventh and was intentionally walked.
Manager Terry Collins said he’s unsure when Cespedes will return to the starting lineup. He hinted Cespedes could be used as the DH against the Yankees and Tigers next week.
Jose Reyes (rib cage) isn’t likely to return to the starting lineup Friday, as the Mets originally had hoped.