Mets 'ramping up' efforts to trade Dillon Gee, Jon Niese

New York's lineup is without three starters and as a result the organization is exploring potential upgrades. David Wright, Travis d'Arnaud, and Daniel Murphy are all out with injuries, and according to Andy Martino of The New York Daily News, the Mets are "more active than ever" in attempting to trade Dillon Gee and Jon Niese with the hope of receiving major league ready bats in return.

After losing key productive bats, the Mets are actively considering upgrades. The organization is in pursuit of another bat or two, and although Martino notes the club is not close to completing a deal, both Gee and Niese could be dealt in an attempt to momentarily upgrade the offense.

Since the middle of spring training, the Mets have been open to dealing Gee. As of early April, the organization was reportedly "eager" to deal the 29-year old starter. Some clubs may be hesitant to add starting pitching that early in the season, but with injuries plaguing rotations throughout both divisions, Dee might now have more value.

While he had some success with the Mets last season, Gee has struggled at times this year. He has posted a 4.46 ERA and 3.90 FIP in 34.1 innings and has seen a drop in his strikeouts per nine innings (6.16 last season to 5.50 to this point in 2015). New York has consistently attempted to deal Gee and his $5.3 million 2015 salary but now may be more encouraged to do so as it moves away from utilizing a six-man starting rotation.

New York has been interested in trading Gee for a few months however the organization's willingness to trade Niese is notable. Niese, similarly, has had more success in the past but has posted a 4.43 ERA and 4.34 FIP in 63.0 innings pitched in 2015. He pitched to a 3.40 ERA in 187.2 innings last season with the Mets and has proven to be a versatile left-handed option. Martino was told by a scout Niese's "stuff gets lighter every year" and as a result he loses value.

The Mets have to clear space for Noah Syndergaard, who has adjusted to major league hitters, and Steven Matz could be called upon soon. As a result, neither Niese nor Gee have much value since opposing clubs know the Mets are simply trying to create space on the 25-man roster.

New York does not have a ton of offensive depth, having already called upon Dilson Herrera and Kevin Plawecki. Matt Reynolds may be major league ready but one bat might not have enough of an offensive impact.

Herrera and d'Arnaud will return in the coming days and the Mets are hoping Murphy's injury is not notably serious. Using Niese and Gee to acquire offense could make sense but the return may not be as valuable as the Mets are hoping it will be.