Giants seeking upgrade at third base

Casey McGehee is off to a slow offensive start and the Giants may be seeking an upgrade. The Mets will have a crowded infield when David Wright returns from the disabled list, and according to ESPN's Adam Rubin, Giants Vice President Brian Sabean has been watching the Mets' weekend series with the Nationals closely.

McGehee, 32, was acquired in a trade with the Marlins last December after Miami added Martin Prado and San Francisco sought third base depth. In 19 games this season, McGehee, who was the National League Comeback Player of the Year last season, posted a .200/.257/.292 batting line. He has only added one home run and three RBIs.

Although a deal is not close, if McGehee continues to struggle, New York may be a possible trade partner. Once the Mets placed Wright on the disabled list, Daniel Murphy became the club's starting third baseman and Dilson Herrera was promoted to play second base. Herrera was having success at the plate before being promoted from Triple-A, and while the Mets are fond of Murphy's bat, he could become expendable if Wright proves he can remain healthy consistently.

Murphy, 30, posted a .289/.332/.403 line to complement nine home runs and 57 RBIs with the Mets last season. He has proven to be a versatile infield option but is batting just .213/.268/.360 through 25 games. Murphy is not known to be a power hitter, but he does hit well with runners in scoring position and had driven in 17 to this point in 2015.

Rubin notes the Mets have made it clear there have not been serious ongoing discussions with regard to a trade involving Murphy. However, a deal could be made because the Mets have an additional starter to trade while the Giants are without Jake Peavy and Matt Cain moving forward. Tim Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong have struggled, and if the Giants want to address a pair of needs in the same deal, a trade with the Mets may be realistic.