Heyman: Mets Show Interest In Trading For J.D. Martinez
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets are reportedly lining up fallback plans in case they are unable to re-sign Yoenis Cespedes, and one option appears to be trading for Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez.
WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman, also of FanRag Sports, reported Tuesday the Mets have some interest in the 29-year-old slugger.
Cespedes, however, remains "by far and away" the Mets' top outfield target, Heyman reported.
It's unclear how extensive talks between the Mets and Tigers have been regarding Martinez. Detroit is hoping to cut its payroll, and other teams believe Martinez is most likely to be moved because he is set to become a free agent after the 2017 season.
Martinez is set to make $11.75 million next season. He was limited to 120 games in 2016 but batted .307 with 22 home runs. A year earlier, he hit .282 with 38 homers.
Martinez could also be a Plan B for the other teams thought to be in the running for Cespedes -- the Giants, Nationals and Dodgers.
Heyman noted that other trade possibilities for the Mets could include Milwaukee's Ryan Braun or Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen. Outfielders available through free agency include Jose Bautista, Dexter Fowler, Mark Trumbo and Ian Desmond.
