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Mets exploring trades for additional offense

GM Alderson says he is looking into 'what I would consider big moves'

NEW YORK -- A day after importing two new bats into his lineup, general manager Sandy Alderson said the Mets are still actively seeking offensive pieces to improve the National League's bottom-ranked offense before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.

"We continue to look at all the possibilities, and how those different possibilities fit with where we are right now," Alderson said Saturday, adding that he is exploring "what I would consider big moves."

"The fact that we have several days means that there are other things to be examined, to be explored. It doesn't mean we'll do anything else, but we'll certainly continue to look."

FOX Sports reported Saturday that the Mets have checked in on Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, A's infielder Ben Zobrist and Reds outfielder Jay Bruce, while CBS added that the club has touched base regarding Padres outfielder Justin Upton. Those types of moves would certainly qualify as "big" for an offense still craving a middle-of-the-order bat, even after Friday's acquisition of Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe.

But Alderson cautioned that the Mets also may do nothing at all. Perhaps most realistically, the Mets will pursue a more modest outfield upgrade, such as Milwaukee's Gerardo Parra or San Diego's Will Venable. Those pending free agents would not cost nearly as much as the aforementioned names, while giving the Mets more flexibility to rest slumping center fielder Juan Lagares or even Curtis Granderson.

Said Alderson: "There are still ways to improve this lineup."

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDiComo and Facebook, and listen to his podcast.
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