The Yankees have inquired about Addison Reed and Lucas Duda, but don’t get them sized up for pinstripes just yet.
According to sources, though the Yankees checked in with the Mets on both the right-handed reliever and the first baseman, there’s not much traction for a deal yet.
Reed and Duda are likely trade candidates, because both will be free agents at the end of the season. And the Yankees could use upgrades at both positions.
Though the Yankees are relying on Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman to find their way at the back end of the bullpen, their relief corps still could use more depth if they hope to stay in the playoff hunt.
First base has been a disaster for the Yankees all season and with Greg Bird out after undergoing ankle surgery, they are in search of an upgrade over the current platoon of Ji-Man Choi and Garrett Cooper. The lefty-swinging Duda would provide that.
With the Mets unable to make any headway in the NL wild-card race, they seem certain to be sellers before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
The 31-year-old Duda has 16 homers and a .905 OPS in 259 plate appearances, while Reed has 15 saves and a 2.47 ERA serving as closer in place of Jeurys Familia, who is on the disabled list after surgery to remove a blood clot in his throwing shoulder.
Since the Yankees are counting on Bird to be their first baseman for 2018 and beyond, Duda’s free-agent status at the end of the season is a plus, although there are other potential options available, like Oakland’s Yonder Alonso.
Reed shouldn’t cost as much as some other relievers since he’ll also be able to test the market following this season.
— Additional reporting by Mike Puma