Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Mets are scouting the Red Sox tonight at Fenway. Rosenthal notes that both catcher Christian Vazquez and designated hitter J.D. Martinez could be targets for the Mets.
The Mets could shift to the Red Sox for offensive help if they miss out on Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.
Both Vazquez and Martinez will be free agents after the season and with the Red Sox now in last place in the American League East they could decide to sell some pieces.
Vazquez, 31, is slashing .277/.321/.426 with 18 doubles, eight home runs, and 40 RBIs this season for the Red Sox. The typically good framer has been below average this season -2 framing runs but he has shown of pop times in the 74th percentile.
Meanwhile, the Mets catchers have a combined 13 doubles and three home runs this season.
Martinez, 34, has good overall offensive numbers this season with a 127 OPS+ but he has struggled recently as he deals with back issues. Martinez has only one home run since June 15th.
The Red Sox have been known to like both Dominic Smith and prospect Mark Vientos in talks with the Mets in recent years. It was previously reported this month that the Red Sox showed interest in Smith.
The Red Sox have a handful of other pending free agents in pitchers Nathan Eovaldi, Michael Wacha, Rich Hill, Matt Strahm, and utility player Enrique Hernandez.
