According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Mets were discussing a three-team blockbuster trade that would have landed them shortstop Ian Desmond from the Nationals while Washington ended up with second baseman Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar from the Rays.
The three teams were discussing the deal in recent days, but the “conversations fizzled when the Mets balked at the Rays’ price for Desmond” sources said.
The Nationals would have sent Desmond to the Rays for Zobrist and Escobar, the two players the Rays traded to the Athletics on Saturday.
The Rays then would have flipped Desmond to the Mets for two top prospects from a list of three – a price the Mets considered too steep.
The Rays’ wish list included pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, but the other target was unknown although there was some buzz that it could have been a top position player prospect like Kevin Plawecki or Dilson Herrera. Again that was just buzz…
The Mets also engaged in direct talks for Zobrist, who like Desmond is entering his free-agent year. But the Rays again wanted two top prospects, and the Mets said no.
The Rays ended up trading Zobrist and Escobar to the Oakland A’s for C/DH John Jaso, top shortstop prospect Daniel Robertson, and outfield prospect Boog Powell, and $1.5 million.
The Mets were one of a dozen teams interested in dealing for Zobrist. Rosenthal adds that the Mets are still actively looking to upgrade over their current shortstops, Wilmer Flores and Ruben Tejada, however, not if it costs them any of their top prospects.
I suddenly have this crazy urge to say “dang” right now… 🙂 I really need a day off…
