Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting that at some point this season the Mets could eventually trade Daniel Murphy so that they could promote infielder Matt Reynolds to play shortstop and then have Wilmer Flores slide over to second base.
Any change would not happen right away, Rosenthal added, until a market for Murphy developed. Additionally he states that it would all hinge on having a healthy David Wright back in the lineup.
Despite his offensive potential, Flores has come under much scrutiny defensively at shortstop, and while the front office projects and maintains a message of patience, the buzz is that behind the scenes the team has some serious concerns.
The Mets have resisted promoting Matt Reynolds, but mostly because they want to ensure he plays everyday, and with Murphy on the team it’s unlikely he would get enough playing time.
Flores blasted a grand slam last night and leads the team with six home runs, but he’s also committed nine errors in just 37 games at shortstop, which ties him for the second most in the majors and puts him on pace for 40 for the season.
Currently, there’s still no timetable set for Wright to return. One other potential concern is a divided feeling in the front office on whether Reynolds can be an everyday shortstop.
Reynolds, 24, is having a solid season for Triple-A Las Vegas, hitting .301 with 13 doubles, two home runs, 26 RBI, and a .816 OPS for the year.
For now, there’s a lot of moving parts and various unknowns for the scenario Rosenthal proposes to come to fruition. There’s a lot to consider, including the fact that Murphy leads the team in RBI and is considered a big part of the clubhouse and team chemistry.
Murphy, 30, has been red hot at the plate of late and is slashing at .371/.405/.439 in his last 14 games. But he’s also a free agent after this season and clearly the Mets have no interest in retaining or extending him.
This whole situation with Flores, Murphy, and potentially Reynolds, bears watching, and could pick up more steam whenever Wright returns and proves healthy and productive.
