The Mets appear to have set a high asking price for Edwin Diaz.
New York may want outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Red Sox in exchange for the 25-year-old right-hander, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported Tuesday during an appearance on “Get Up!”
Olney added (via NBC Sports Boston):
“I think the Red Sox, knowing the Mets are looking to add players who can help them in 2020, they may have to make a decision: Do we give up Andrew Benintendi, who is a true centerfielder, in a deal for Edwin Diaz? It'd be fascinating to see if the Mets were to get Benintendi and if the Red Sox can get Diaz.”
But, a deal between the two teams is unlikely, according to multiple reports, including The Athletic.
Sources echo what @alexspeier reported earlier: #Mets ’ Díaz unlikely for #RedSox . Team focused on lesser names in quest for bullpen help.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2019
The Mets acquired Diaz, along with Robinson Cano, in exchange for two top prospects — Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn — and other pieces in the offseason. Diaz, however, has struggled with New York so far and holds a 1-6 record with a 4.95 ERA in 44 appearances.
“When I was in the minors back in Seattle, I would always come up in rumors that they were going to trade me,” Diaz recently told reporters, via MLB.com. “But now, I’m just calm with whatever happens, happens.”
Diaz was an All-Star with the Mariners in 2018 when he finished with a 1.96 ERA and recorded 57 saves.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, entered play Tuesday nine games back of the Yankees in the American League East and one game out of the second wild-card spot.
“There’s a lot of stuff going on,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said about the trade deadline, via the Boston Globe. “Let’s see what happens. ... every team is looking to improve. ... Teams are going to make trades. We just have to be patient and see what happens.”
The Red Sox acquired starter Andrew Cashner from the Orioles earlier this month.