Report: Mets' Trade Talks For Aramis Ramirez Going Nowhere
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Mets are gaining "little traction" in trade talks for Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com.
Multiple reports stated Wednesday that the Mets were targeting Ramirez, who could fill in at the hot corner while David Wright works his way back from spinal stenosis. But Rosenthal said a swap for left-handed starter Jon Niese wouldn't cut it, adding it "sounds remote" that Milwaukee would agree to a package involving pitcher Dillon Gee.
Another stumbling block could be the Mets' receptiveness to taking on the bulk of the money remaining on his contract, about $8.8 million, according to Newsday.
Because the 36-year-old Ramirez has played third base exclusively -- not counting 25 games as designated hitter -- in his 18-year career, it's unclear how he would fit in if Wright returns this season. Milwaukee shortstop Jean Segura doesn't appear to be an option as the Brewers are "unlikely to make him available," Newsday reported.
Ramirez, who is expected to retire when his contract expires at the end of the year, would add a veteran bat to a struggling Mets lineup that was no-hit on Tuesday night. He's batting .216 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs, though he typically heats up in the second half of the season. Ramirez hit .285 last year, one-thousandth of a point above his career average.
The Mets, also without injured infielder Daniel Murphy, are a half-game behind Washington in the NL East.
