Lucas Duda Trade Rumors: Rays Close to Landing Mets 1B

The Tampa Bay Rays reportedly are "moving close" to acquiring first baseman Lucas Duda in a trade with the New York Mets, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

Sherman emphasized that while "nothing is finalized" "the sides have been talking seriously." 

The Rays don't have a pressing need at first base since Logan Morrison is slugging a career-high .543 with 26 home runs, but Duda would be a welcome addition as a designated hitter. 

As Sherman noted, Tampa Bay could use a left-handed hitting DH after Colby Rasmus informed the Rays he wanted to "step away" from baseball, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin. 

Duda—who is in a walk year—is slashing .246/.347/.532 with 17 home runs and 37 RBI. 

He's been particularly solid against right-handed pitching with a line of .253/.367/.546, 14 home runs and 27 RBI. Against southpaws, the 31-year-old has struggled with a .224 average, three home runs and 10 RBI. 

FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman reported earlier Thursday the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners have also expressed interest in Duda with the July 31 trade deadline looming.