Mets Rumors: Rays interested in Lucas Duda and Addison Reed

Last week, we spoke about three dark horse trade partners for the Mets as the deadline approaches.

[Update] 

According to Joel Sherman of The New York Post, the Rays are the leading candidate to land Duda. While nothing is imminent, Sherman says “there is momentum.” We’ll see if and when this deal gets finalized, and what Sandy gets in return for Duda.

[Original post]

Well, Tuesday we found out that one of these teams do have an interest in a couple of Mets

The Tampa Bay Rays have at least some level of interest in both Addison Reed and Lucas Duda, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

We had a feeling that the Rays were going to have interest in Reed, as they are looking to improve a pretty bad bullpen. Tampa Bay’s bullpen in 20th in the league in ERA. We can’t say anything bad, though, as the Mets are 28th. But, regardless, you can see why the Rays want to add to their bullpen.

Now, why would the Mets want to get rid of Reed? Well, he’s been garnering the most interest so far, making him the hottest commodity that the Mets have to deal. And he’s a free agent after the season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have also vocalized their interest in Reed. It’ll come to no surprise to any mets fan if Reed is no longer on this team post trade deadline. Especially as Jeurys Familia is about to throw off a mound and should return this season, Mets manager Terry Collins said on Tuesday.

Does interest for this Reed and Duda duo sound a bit familiar? It’s because the Yankees were also said to have interest in both players, and to have reached out to the Mets. Our crosstown rivals are actually the only other team so far to have interest in Duda.

As much as I am a Duda fan, I won’t be surprised if Duda is also no longer on the Mets come August. Dominic Smith is pretty much ready to come up, and when he does come up, first base is his. With Vegas this season, Smith is hitting .337/.391/.526.

Next: Rosario could be called up after trade deadline

Now who will the Mets actually be making a deal with? Well the answer will obviously be whoever will give us the greater return. Guess we’ll just have to find out.