Mets In Touch With Mariners For Nick Franklin

Sep 20, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets center fielder Juan Lagares (12) makes a catch during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets defeated the Phillies 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

*Editor’s note: This story was initially posted as Ryan Franklin and of course, should be Nick Franklin. Sorry for any confusion.

According to ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin, an insider for the New York Mets confirmed the team’s interest in Mariners infielder Nick Franklin.

Franklin is fighting for the starting shortstop job with Brad Miller, after being displaced as the starting second baseman by the signing of Robinson Cano.

With the loser of that battle set to get some reps in Triple-A Tacoma, it only makes sense for the M’s to try to get something in return for him. The Mets are looking for a regular shortstop – Franklin’s natural position – and have arms that the Mariners may covet. Though I think defense is more important right now.

I was initially holding onto hope for an Ike Davis trade that would lead the M’s to trade Justin Smoak for arms, but that’s a lot of moving pieces.

So what can the M’s get from New York?

OF Juan Lagares comes to mind. He is a true center fielder that is under club control until 2020. His dWAR in 2013 was 3.5 compared to the -1.1 of Michael Saunders or the -0.3 of Dustin Ackley.

This is a team that needs to improve on defense. Lagares would give him that. His slash line of .242/.281/.352 is nothing to write home about. But he was typically used in the lower half of the order. Move him to the leadoff or No. 2 spot and he could really flourish.

Stay tuned as more on this story develops.