Versatility may get Cabrera to contender

The Mets are playing to win — the best trade deadline haul possible.

Asdrubal Cabrera made his first-ever start at third base Saturday night against the A’s, with the Mets attempting to showcase the versatility of the 31-year-old, who had previously only played 1 ¹/3 innings at the position in the majors with Cleveland in 2007. Prior to Saturday’s game at Citi Field, Cabrera’s most recent start at third base came in Single-A in 2005.

Though Cabrera balked at mov- ing from shortstop to second base last month, manager Terry Collins explained how beneficial it would be for the infielder — who will be a free agent after this year if his team option for next year for $8.5 million is declined — to prove he can play multiple positions.

According to multiple reports, the Red Sox, Indians and Mariners have interest in Cabrera.

“When we got into this with him, I talked about what the Cubs did. Look at what Ben Zobrist got for a guy who plays around the ballpark and is a switch hitter,” Collins said of the World Series MVP.

Cabrera, who went 2-for-5, successfully fielded the lone grounder hit his way.

After hearing Yoenis Cespedes’ comments that A’s skipper Bob Melvin was the “best manager” the outfielder has ever had, Collins said Saturday he felt no need to discuss the issue with his star slugger, who the Mets managers said is, ‘“if not the top player, then one of the top five players” in baseball.

“If [Melvin] is his favorite manager, that doesn’t bother me a bit,” Collins said. “I know where he stands.”

Closer Addison Reed has also drawn interest from multiple teams, with ESPN reporting Saturday the Dodgers were exploring a possible deal for the Southern California native.

Reed, 28, has become an increasingly appealing trade target over the past two months, having converted each of his past 10 save opportunities.