MLB Trade Rumors 2014 Updates: New York Mets Shopping Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy; Dodgers' Matt Kemp Still on Trading Block
The New York Mets made a couple of interesting moves this offseason but they are reportedly not done tweaking their roster yet in hopes of improving their chances in the next MLB season.
After signing outfielders Chris Young and Curtis Granderson, the Mets are reportedly shopping infielders Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy, who are both attracting interest on the trade market.
Davis, who had 32 home runs in 2012 and nine last season, became an expendable asset for the Mets due to the emergence of Lucas Duda, who is projected to take the first base position heading into next season.
According to sources, several teams have already inquired about a possible trade for Davis, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, the Star-Ledger reports that the Mets will not simply give up Davis; the club is allegedly not expecting a trade to be completed before the end of Winter Meetings because they are willing to wait for the right offer.
"Mets officials have said they could go into 2014 with both Davis and Lucas Duda on the roster. But the club has its sights set on moving Davis and having Duda become the full-time first baseman. They're just waiting for right haul - preferably a young controllable pitcher - for a player who is two season removed from hitting 32 home runs," the Star-Ledger reported.
Murphy, on the other hand, is also on the trading block, but the Mets could keep the second baseman if there will be no attractive offers from other teams.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still considering trading Matt Kemp, his agent Dave Stewart confirmed during an ESPN interview.
According to reports, several teams are interested in trading for Kemp, including the Boston Red Sox, but the exploratory talks did not reach serious stages.
Although Kemp was arguably one of the best in the league two seasons ago, teams are reluctant to make a deal due to the injury history of the 29-year-old veteran.
Kemp underwent shoulder surgery in each of the last two seasons and also underwent left ankle surgery in October, but Stewart reiterated that the eight-year veteran will be ready next season.
"There have been a lot of questions about his health, but he'll be ready to play," Stewart said. "He's worked hard to get in shape and get over these offseason surgeries."