MLB Trade Rumors 2014: New York Mets Could Deal Ike Davis To Pittsburgh Pirates Before Spring Training

The New York Mets are surprisingly staying put with Ike Davis despite reports the franchise is looking to move the first baseman this offseason.

Still, many MLB writers and league sources believe the Mets will eventually move Davis, and the Pittsburgh Pirates appear to be the most ideal trade partner out there.

According to Bleacher Report writer Jason Martinez, Davis is expected to recover from a disappointing 2013 season, which saw him batting .205 with 9 homers and 33 RBIs. Despite his low numbers, Davis could make a big impact on the Pirates, especially as a solid hitter against righthanded pitchers.

"He'll be trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2013 season in which he posted a .661 OPS in 103 games, but if you just pull out his numbers against right-handed pitching (.727 OPS, 8 HR in 248 ABs) and place that production in the Pittsburgh Pirates' lineup in a platoon with Gaby Sanchez, who had a .987 OPS versus left-handed pitching last season, the potential impact could be high," Martinez said.

Trade for Davis

The Mets and Pirates have reportedly engaged in talks earlier this offseason, but no trade took place due to the Bucs' unwillingness to part ways with their farm league prospects. But with spring training just around the corner, the Pirates could pull off a trade to fill their need for a reliable first-base batter.

The Pirates could strike a deal for Davis  if they send lefthanded batter Andrew Lambo to the Mets. Lambo split the 2013 season between the Pirates Double-A and Triple-A squad, recording 32 homers in 120 games.