Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports is reporting that the New York Mets could still trade outfielder Juan Lagares if they’re able to a find a taker for his contract.
Lagares, 29, is off to a fast start offensively for the Mets in 2018 going 5-for-10 with one strikeout and one run scored.
The right-handed hitting Lagares was splitting time in center field with Brandon Nimmo through the first week of the season though that will drastically change with Michael Conforto getting activated on Thursday.
Lagares now moves to the Mets fifth outfielder spot with Nimmo, Conforto, Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce all healthy. He’s likely now to see the majority of his time as a defensive replacement.
The trouble with trading Lagares is finding someone willing to take on the rest of his contract, he’s making $6.5 million this season, $9 million next season and has a $9.5 million option for 2020 that comes with a $500,000 buyout.
Lagares is still an elite defender in center field with 15 DRS last season in only 566 innings though he slashed just .250/.296/.365 over 272 plate appearances.
