New York Mets Won’t Replace Lucas Duda Internally

Tasked with replacing Lucas Duda, the New York Mets will likely look outside of the organization for a sensible solution.

The New York Mets on Monday placed first baseman Lucas Duda on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his lower back.

The Mets are expecting to without Duda for four to six weeks, manager Terry Collins said. However, to replace Duda, the Mets aren’t expecting to lean on their farm system. Assistant general manager John Ricco told reporters, “We’re not going to be able to replace Lucas Duda internally.” This raises intrigue as it pertains to the Mets: How will they replace Duda, and which route will they go?

More from New York Mets

• New York Mets: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Pete Alonso makes good after “brain fart” that drew ire of St. Louis Cardinals fans
• New York Mets: Saturday’s disastrous doubleheader against Braves is nail in coffin
• Steve Cohen won’t let Max Scherzer spoil his grand New York Mets plan
• New York Mets: Fire sale continues as Max Scherzer now a Texas Ranger

As Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports points out, the Mets and Cincinnati Reds had trade discussions in July, 2015, centered around Jay Bruce. Bruce’s name has been in trade rumors for quite some time, and seeing as the Reds are in fifth place in the NL Central, with the second worst record in the National League — 15-29 — it certainly seems plausible that Cincinnati could look to offload a veteran such as Bruce.

Perhaps that would be the type of trade scenario that would entice the Mets, depending, of course, on the type of return the Reds would want. The fact that the two teams had talks last July and no trade was consummated, likely means at least one team wasn’t comfortable with the asking price.

While Duda has been having somewhat of a down year, which can very likely be attributed to his back, the fact that the Mets will look outside of the organization makes the situation slightly tougher. It’s not as convenient as having a replacement ready in the Minor Leagues, but with a little diligence, the Mets should find a viable replacement.

Next: Is Zack Greinke getting comfortable in Arizona?

Duda has 7 home runs and 19 RBI’s on the season, and is slashing .231/.297/.431. While the Mets, at 26-18, in second place in the NL East, must find Duda’s replacement, the time off should allow Duda to get his back right. And as long as the Mets continue to pitch up to their standard and get timely hits, they should be in the thick of the race by the time Duda is healthy later this season.