The Mets' search for a shortstop included the longtime Philadelphia Phillie.
Longtime divisional foe Jimmy Rollins can be added to the list of shortstops the Mets have considered trading for this offseason, according ESPN New York. Rollins has a full no-trade clause in his contract and he reportedly did not want to leave Philadelphia, which puts any trade discussions to rest.
Rollins will earn $11 million next season before he hits free agency. The 35-year-old played in 138 games for the Phillies this season, hitting .243/.323/.717 with 17 home runs and 28 stolen bases. The four-time Gold Glove winner received negative ratings in both UZR and DRS. Given his age and declining offensive and defensive skills, the Mets likely would have not had to give up much in return for one year of Rollins. The fact they were even considering him would seem to indicate that the younger, more attractive shortstops on the trade market—Troy Tulowitzki, Alexei Ramirez, Starlin Castro, Brad Miller, and Didi Gregorius—will come with a hefty price tag.
All this talk about the Mets trading for a shortstop certainly does not bode well for Wilmer Flores's future in the organization. At one point, he seemed like the favorite to be the team's Opening Day shortstop in 2015. In the event that a Rollins deal did go through, it's hard to imagine Mets fans welcoming him with open arms due to memories of his "Team to beat" comments before the start of the infamous 2007 season.