MLB Trade Rumors: Is Justin Upton The New York Mets’ Top Priority?

In search of offensive production, the New York Mets are discussing slugging outfielder Justin Upton with the San Diego Padres. But no trade appears to be close, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

The reason for a trade not being close is because the Mets reportedly did not like what the Padres were asking for in return for Upton. Heyman notes that San Diego was asking for one, potentially two high-end prospects. In addition, the Padres did not want to cover any of the approximately $6 million remaining on his $14.5 million salary.

New York did not like that and talks are at an “impasse,” Heyman states.

Several teams, most notably the Orioles, have been linked to the 2015 All-Star but Heyman previously wrote that he was the Mets top priority.

This further proves the Inquisitr’s report from Friday morning that stated the Mets are in pursuit of outfield help. Michael Cuddyer is currently on the shelf, which prompted the Mets to call up top outfield prospect Michael Conforto. While Conforto contributed four hits in Saturday evening’s 15-2 drubbing of the Los Angeles Dodgers, they’re still unsure of how much the rookie can produce.

Names such as fellow Padres outfielder Will Venable and Milwaukee Brewers defensive specialist Gerardo Parra were listed as two players of interest for New York.

Much like the Padres other big-name offseason acquisitions, Upton is having his worst full season in the Major Leagues. The 27-year-old former Arizona Diamondback and Atlanta Brave is batting.248 with 15 HR and 49 RBI. The most alarming thing about Upton’s performance on the season are his platoon splits.

Usually a productive hitter against left-handed pitching, Upton is hitting lefties to a tune of just.175 with one HR and five RBI in 63 at-bats.

As Dennis Lin of the San Diego Tribune writes, there is no indication of a trade between the Mets and Padres involving Upton being close. Another thing that teams will have to keep in mind is that Upton is a free agent after this season. Thus, any acquiring team could just have a two-month rental on their hands.

Also, Upton is coming off a mild oblique strain but has been in the Padres lineup for the past two days. Padres Assistant GM Josh Stein told Lin on Friday that Upton is feeling fine and there are no injury concerns.

“He came out of it fine. We thought that might be one of those things that might be lingering for a few days, so that was great.”

Ironically, the Mets and Padres will begin a series at Citi Field to play the New York Mets on Tuesday. This may allow both teams to have an easier means for communication and potentially agree to some kind of trade. Upton could end up switching dugouts if that were the case.

[Images by Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images]