Curtis Granderson was in the Mets’ lineup Monday for the start of the Subway Series, but could be elsewhere by the time these four games against the Yankees conclude.
Interest in the 36-year-old outfielder has picked up in recent days, according to industry sources, making it possible Granderson will join Lucas Duda, Jay Bruce, Neil Walker and Addison Reed among the ranks of traded Mets players since late July. Through those trades, the Mets have shaved about $10 million from their payroll, even when the addition of reliever AJ Ramos from Miami is factored.
The Nationals, who could potentially use Granderson with Bryce Harper sidelined by a bone bruise in his knee that is threatening his season, had a scout at Yankee Stadium on Monday. The Brewers, who acquired Walker from the Mets on Saturday for a player to be named later, had previously shown interest in Granderson and could still use a left-handed outfield bat.
Though the Mets’ first preference isn’t to potentially help the Nationals, they are open to trading with their NL East rival, according to an industry source, but the return might have to be better than they would receive from another club.
Granderson has about $4 million remaining on his contract, and the Mets are pushing for interested suitors to pick up the entire sum. But that might not be a requirement of a deal — the Brewers did not assume the entire $4.7 million remaining on Walker’s contract.
After a dreadful start to the season, Granderson entered play batting .284 with a .407 on-base percentage over his previous 73 games, with 15 homers and 36 RBIs.
Even with the Mets removed from playoff contention and looking to audition Brandon Nimmo in the outfield, Granderson has remained in the lineup to showcase his skills. On Sunday, he had three hits, including a homer, in the Mets’ victory over the Phillies. But Granderson said he isn’t focused on a potential trade — he has never been dealt in-season during his career and isn’t directing his thinking in that direction now.The Mets signed Granderson to a four-year deal worth $60 million before the 2014 season, and team officials believe they have gotten their money’s worth from him. In addition to his solid production, Granderson has been embraced as a clubhouse leader on a team that has barely included captain David Wright over the past three seasons.
Granderson, who will hit free agency after the season, was looking forward to playing in possibly his last Subway Series.
“It’s cool to look back, and I’ve had four seasons with both sides,” Granderson said. “I got a chance to make it to the playoffs on both sides. We went to three with the Yankees and two so far with the Mets. It’s been cool to help a team win games and have a chance to play into the postseason, where everybody is trying to get to and be a part of that.”