Jason Kipnis to the Mets may not be as likely as was originally thought according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.
The Mets have been in talks with the Cleveland Indians about a trade for Kipnis since before the Winter Meetings even began. After the meetings concluded, the sense was that the Mets would acquire Kipnis in a trade.
“At least for now, the most likely trade target appears to be the Indians’ Jason Kipnis,” wrote Marc Carig of Newsday after the meetings. “A source told Newsday that the teams have continued trade discussions that began leading up to the winter meetings.”
The Mets viewed Kipnis as more of a salary dump trade target. The 30-year-old is owed around $28.3 million over the next two years and has a $16.5 million option for 2020 with a $2.5 million buyout.
However, after Carlos Santana signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, it appears that the Indians won’t ship the second baseman to Queens for nothing. With Santana gone, Kipnis’ guaranteed money doesn’t affect the Indians as much and they could use the talent and leadership he brings.
“So while the Mets and Indians have discussed a trade of Kipnis to fill the Mets’ hole at second base, the Indians’ desire and need to move Kipnis is not as strong as perceived, two industry sources said on the condition of anonymity,” wrote Davidoff.
It’s not that Kipnis is completely off limits, but it will be tough at this point for the Mets to convince the Indians to trade him especially as their farm system lacks valuable prospects.
If the Indians re-sign Jay Bruce or acquire another player, then Kipnis may be a trade candidate again. As for now, it appears the Mets will have to look elsewhere for their 2018 second baseman.
