MLB Trade Rumors 2014: Orioles, Pirates Still Chasing Ike Davis; Teams Will Gauge His Spring Training Performance

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles have reportedly maintained their interest in acquiring New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis, who has been on the trading block throughout the offseason.

According to the latest buzz on the trading front, the Pirates and the Orioles are still open to renewing negotiations with the Mets regarding Davis' availability.

"Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reported the Pittsburgh Pirates are keeping an eye on Davis. The Baltimore Orioles are also rumored to still be interested, according to a report from Joel Sherman of the New York Post," Bleacher Report reported. 

Davis, 26, is still considered one of the most coveted young sluggers in the major leagues despite a decline in his production last season, which saw him batting just .205 with 9 homers and 33 RBIs.

There are several teams that have expressed interest in Davis, but the Orioles and Pirates have been the most aggressive teams in the negotiation process.

In a recent interview on ESPN New York, Davis admitted he was quite surprised he's still with the organization amidst all the trade talks. Still, he's happy to be with the Mets heading into spring training, he said. 

"The articles would say I wasn't going to be here, so a little bit of shock I didn't get traded, but I'm happy I didn't. Just because it seemed like we were pretty adamant about going somewhere, but obviously they had to make the right deal for them, and no one offered them what they thought enough, so I'm back," Davis told ESPN.

The Orioles' signing of Nelson Cruz to a one-year deal last week won't stop the team from chasing an All-Star-caliber player like Davis, according to a number of baseball insiders.

"Davis' $3.5 million salary for 2014 and power potential make him a strong fit for the Orioles. However, it would be a waste to make him the designated hitter when he has solid fielding ability," Bleacher Report noted.

Meanwhile, the Pirates are still in position to take Davis, if they are willing to give up top pitching prospect Nick Kingham. ESPN's Jayson Stark believes the chances of the Pirates agreeing to the deal will depend on Davis' performance this spring.

"Mets Merized Online reported New York previously asked for top pitching prospect, Nick Kingham. It's unlikely Sandy will back down from this demand, especially if Ike has a strong spring," ESPN reported.