Ike Davis Could Be Traded This Winter

By Matt Musico
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In news that broke overnight from Adam Rubin first, an unnamed baseball source told him that the Mets would consider trading Ike Davis this winter. This is coming on the heels of Lucas Duda playing first base (his natural position) last night against Cliff Lee and the Phillies, something he will be doing against all southpaws for the remainder of the season.

There is no doubt about Davis’ potential and his ability to be a starter in the Major Leagues; after a terrible start to the season

Sep 10, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis (29) after striking out during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

(.201/.271/.388 in first half), the slugging first baseman has picked it up since the All-Star break, and is now sporting a .223/.302/.444 line in 529 at-bats, which includes 27 home runs (20 away from Citi Field) and 81 RBI. According to Rubin’s source, his ability is not what’s in question, but it’s his unwillingness to make adjustments at the urging of the coaching staff, as well as being out too late after games. Although that clearly doesn’t equate to success or failure at the MLB level, the front office doesn’t want a precedent set for younger players coming up through the system.

Duda hasn’t proved that he can be the force in the lineup for the duration of a season lIke Davis has been, but the Mets feel that there is potential for him to do so;  in 2012, he’s hitting .246/.331/.402 with 14 homers and 54 RBI in 366 at-bats. Having him feel more comfortable in the field at his natural position could translate to more consistent offense, but that guess is as good as anyone’s at this point. Davis could yield some impact players, and is under team control through 2016, entering his first-year arbitration this season as a Super Two player.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, some teams that could be looking for a first baseman this off-season include the Indians, Rays, Red Sox, and Marlins. It’s an interesting thought to say the least, as it looks as if Davis would be one of the few current Mets that could draw legitimate interest in the trade market this winter, and bring back some MLB talent in return. The other players on the Mets roster that could bring back significant return include David Wright, R.A. Dickey, and Jonathon Niese.

More to come on this story later on Rising Apple…make sure you check back!

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