Mets, Indians know how to deal with each other

ONE connection to monitor is between the Mets and the Indians. The front offices have long had a good relationship — they made the Jay Bruce trade last August. But it is even stronger now because former Cleveland pitching coach Mickey Callaway is the Mets’ manager.

The clubs talked extensively about Jason Kipnis in the offseason. Before the Mets turned Matt Harvey into Devin Mesoraco, the Amazin’s and Indians periodically had discussed Yan Gomes, whose catching skills were appreciated by Callaway.

In both instances, the Indians were in their constant vigilance to manage payroll short- and long-term. Kipnis (with the 2020 buyout of his option included) began this season owed $30.5 million the next two seasons. The Yan- kees also were in on Kipnis, who has been among the majors’ worst hitters this season (.180 average, one homer in 202 plate appearances entering Thursday).

Gomes began the year with $13.95 million owed over the next two seasons, but also has options for 2020-21. He would be tough to let go because he has hit well this year, while his backup, Roberto Perez, has been terri- ble. The Indians also have one of the top prospects in the game, Francisco Mejia, who has struggled at Triple-A (.184 average) as they have tried to increase his portfolio beyond catching and work in some left field, too.

The Indians, like many teams, have long had interest in Brandon Nimmo, who the Mets value and will not move outside of a more significant trade.

But if the Mets fell out of contention in the next two months and were again sellers at the deadline, the bullpen-desperate Indians would probably have interest in Jeurys Familia (who is in his walk year). So would many teams. But so often trades come down to which teams work well together and, thus, work through problems together. The Indians and Mets appear to be in that category.