With the Mets in need of infield help and the Tigers looking rebuilding, the two sides have reportedly talked about a deal for Ian Kinsler.
According to a report from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Mets have checked in with the Detroit Tigers about second baseman Ian Kinsler.
Sources: #Mets, #Tigers have had preliminary discussions on an Ian Kinsler trade. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 20, 2017
Kinsler, 35, is coming off of one of the worst seasons of his career with Detroit. In 139 games, he managed a weak .236/.313/.412 slash line. It wasn’t all bad though, as Kinsler slugged 22 home runs, drove in 52 runs, and scored 90 times.
The Mets need a true leadoff hitter and Kinsler is certainly capable, considering that 611 of his 613 plate appearances came from the leadoff spot in 2017.
He is also just one year removed from a 2016 season that saw him win a Gold Glove Award and slashed .288/.348/.484. He also popped 28 homers and scored 117 times in that campaign.
Morosi also reports that, at this stage in his career, interested teams could possibly be looking at Kinsler as a third baseman.
Source: Ian Kinsler drawing trade interest from multiple @MLB clubs; #Angels are among them, as first reported by @anthonyfenech. Some teams would want him to play third base; he earns $11 million next season, in final year of contract. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 20, 2017
Third base is an obvious need for the Mets and the versatility that Kinsler would bring to the infield would be welcomed.
With only one year remaining on Kinsler’s contract at $11 million, he represents a short-term commitment at a position of need for the 2018 Mets.
Besides the concern when it comes to Kinsler’s age, the other thing on Mets’ fans minds will certainly be the acquisition price. What would it take for the Mets to pry him away from Detroit?
Kinsler is a four-time All-Star with a great opportunity to have a bounce-back season in 2018.
After trading Lucas Duda, Jay Bruce, and Curtis Granderson before the August trade deadline, the Mets have a lot of home runs to replace. Trading for Kinsler would be a good way to start.
Adding a veteran leadoff man who has power, is an above-average fielder and a veteran leader in the clubhouse is exactly what the Mets need.
