Latest Mets Rumors: Abreu, Castro, Ohman, Ayala

The rumor mill continues to churn as spring training rolls in later this week.

The Ramon Castro trade rumors won’t subside, and like the saying goes… where there’s smoke there’s fire. MLB Trade Rumors reports that Baseball America’s John Perrotto has sources that tell him the Mets are still actively pursuing a trade for Ramon Castro. I only wonder why the Mets have waited so late in the off season to address this latest concern with Castro. Apparently, the Mets would be very content with Robinson Cancel handling the backup duties for Brian Schneider.

Reliever Will Ohman is in the news again. The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Dave O’Brien reports that the Braves are no longer interested in bringing back Will Ohman. On Friday, the Post had reported that the Mets still remain in the market for a low-priced left-handed reliever. The Mets had contacted Ohman’s agent on Wednesday to discuss a potential contract, but they are expected to compete with the Braves and Phillies for his services. Obviously, the Braves are now out. Still, I don’t see the Mets making a big play for him.

Bobby Abreu can become this years biggest bargain if the following report from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe is accurate. The feeling is that he may have to sign for about $3 million on a one-year or two-year deal. At that price, the Angels, Mets, Braves, and Dodgers would have big-time interest. Despite the rumors you read here and there about guys like Abreu or Dunn and the Mets. There has been no word from the Mets regarding interest in either of them.

ESPN is reporting that the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent reliever and former Met Luis Ayala. The agreement is worth $1.3 million, and is pending a physical. Ayala’s agent, Joe Longo, said the deal includes an additional $575,000 in incentives.