Report: Mets Looking To Upgrade At Shortstop, Left Field Ahead Of Deadline
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Sandy Alderson might be awful busy ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
According to ESPN.com, not only will the Mets entertain offers for veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon, but they will look to upgrade at both shortstop and left field.
The Cubs have a solid group of young shortstops, and New York has been linked to three-time All-Star Starlin Castro. According to the website, however, it's more likely that the Mets would get 21-year-old prospect Javier Baez in a potential deal.
Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius -- who was rumored to be a target of Alderson's in the offseason -- remains a possibility.
With an overflow of outfielders, the general manager is also expected to seek out takers for both Chris Young and Eric Young Jr., the website reported.
The Amazin's have a wealth of starting pitching, and the 41-year-old Colon is expected to draw interest from contending clubs. The 2005 American League Cy Young Award winner -- who signed a two-year, $20 million deal in December -- has done a solid job this season. In 18 starts he's gone 8-8 with a 3.99 ERA, recording 89 strikeouts to just 17 walks.
After a miserable start to the season, shortstop Ruben Tejada has come on strong as of late, but he's batting just .237. New York, which has been inconsistent offensively, could use a more dependable bat at the position.
Chris Young and Eric Young, Jr. have been platooning in left field. The former has been a major disappointment after signing a one-year, $7.25 million contract in November.
The Mets won eight of their last 10 games to conclude the first half of the season. They currently sit at 45-50, seven games out of first place in the National League East and seven games out of the Wild Card.
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