Mets Continue To Aim High In Ike Davis Trade Talks

Another day, another string of Ike Davis tidbits.

Aug 28, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis (29) hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, while it was reported that both the Brewers and Pirates remain interested in Davis, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin put himself in a poor negotiating position by stating that Mitch Moreland (a first baseman he was interested in acquiring from Texas) isn’t on the market.

By all accounts, the Mets are continuing to ask for Tyler Thornburg or a similar return from the Brewers, and Milwaukee continues to balk.

With the Brewers so far refusing to meet Sandy Alderson’s trade demands, the Mets have recently engaged the Pirates in talks for Davis.

According to John Perrotto of USA Today, in exchange for Davis, the Mets have asked the Pirates for Nick Kingham, a 6′ 5″, 22 year old right handed starting pitcher.

Kingham, who reached Double-A last season, works primarily off a fastball that sits between 92 and 95 MPH and touches 98. In addition, both his curveball and changeup are already average and have the chance to develop into plus pitches.

After being promoted to Double-A last season, Kingham posted a 2.70 ERA in 73.1 innings pitched and only gave up 1 home run.  He struggled a bit with his control, though, walking 3.68 batters per 9 – by far the highest rate of his career.

The Pirates have a solid starting staff that includes Gerrit Cole, Francisco Liriano, Edinson Volquez, Charlie Morton, and Wandy Rodriguez. They also have top prospect Jameson Taillon who’s just about ready, and Jeff Locke.  In addition, A.J. Burnett still may opt to return to Pittsburgh.

The presence of the above pitchers doesn’t lessen Kingham’s value, but it may have an impact on whether or not the Pirates are willing to part with him in a deal for Davis.

There are some who think the Mets have to “sell low” on Ike, but I don’t think that’s the case at all.  Right now, this is a matter of supply and demand. Davis is the best first baseman available, and there are multiple teams in need.  Selling low makes zero sense, and I would be stunned if Alderson caved at this point.

For now, we’ll continue to wait.

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