The Mets are continuing their aggressive trade pursuit of Seattle second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz, according to major league sources, and the sides are deep in talks on Thursday.
SNY first reported that the Mets were aggressively pursuing the Mariners' stars. That remains the case. As of late Thursday morning, a deal was not imminent, and a source said Cano had not yet been asked to waive his no-trade clause.
Sources cautioned against viewing a trade as inevitable. But there is clearly momentum.
Prospects under discussion in talks include Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn. Jeff McNeil's name has also come up.
The Mets have been aggressive in their pursuit of Cano, with the Mariners eating a significant chunk of money due to Cano playing a large role in a potential deal. Not only would the Mets try to get Seattle to take on a significant portion on the remainder of Cano's deal, but they could also try to get them to take on the rest of Jay Bruce's contract.
Cano has five years and $120 million remaining on his contract. Bruce, meanwhile, will earn $26 million over the next two years of his contract.
Seattle has been looking to unload the 36-year-old Cano, who served a suspension for testing positive for a banned substance last season and hit .303/.374/.471 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 80 games.
Diaz, meanwhile, would help bolster a weak Mets bullpen that had the third-worst ERA last season. The 24-year-old Diaz led the league with 57 saves last season and recorded a 1.94 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 73.1 innings. In three seasons, Diaz has 109 saves, a 2.64 ERA and 301 strikeouts in 191 innings.