Here’s a new wrinkle on the Dillon Gee trade front from Mike Puma of the Post.
The Giants, Padres and Rockies continue to be potential landing spots for Gee, but an industry source indicates that at least one AL team has now shown interest in the veteran right-hander.
Additionally, the source added that the Mets no longer consider it necessary to receive a major league player in return for Gee.
While that was always a possibility, the message has mostly been they’d deal a starter to improve the active roster when the offseason began.
It was believed Gee would be dealt for either a proven lefty reliever or as part of package to acquire a solid everyday shortstop.
January 14
Joel Sherman of the NY Post hears that the Mets expect to trade a starting pitcher, most likely Dillon Gee, within the next 7-10 days.
However, it might not happen until free agent pitcher James Shields signs with a team first. The Mets are hoping Gee could be some team’s Plan B if they fail to sign Shields.
Sandy Alderson initially felt that the market would open up for Gee once Jon Lester signed but that never really happened after he agreed on a deal with the Cubs six weeks ago.
The Mets were hoping to move Gee when they were dealing with the Nationals and Rays to try and land shortstop Ian Desmond. However, they balked after the Rays insisted on Noah Syndergaard plus an additional prospect.
There have been several teams connected to Gee this offseason, with the Rockies, Giants and Twins among the teams who reportedly had the most interest in the veteran righthander.
The Mets reportedly discussed a deal for Gee with the Rockies back during the Winter Meetings, but nothing ever materialized and there’s been no buzz from either side since.
The Twins reportedly offered the Mets shortstop Eduardo Escobar for Dillon Gee, but were turned down. The Rangers also showed early interest in Gee, but suddenly backed off and talks broke down.
The Mets have repeatedly said they had no preference as to which starting pitcher they move, but it’s been pretty clear they prefer to hang onto their lone left-hander in Niese, and are unwilling to sell low on Colon.
