New York Mets Rumors: 10 Ike Davis Deals That Would Make Sense for the Mets

The New York Mets are currently in a rebuilding process and it is unlikely that they will sign any more players to large multi-year contracts. In fact, the Mets might even dismantle their current core even further through potential trades.

One player that has started to become part of the Mets' offensive core is first baseman Ike Davis. Davis had a breakout year during his rookie season in 2010. He was arguably one of the best rookie hitters of that season. He was expected to hit even better in 2011, but his season unfortunately came to an end when he injured his ankle in May. He did not return for the rest of the season.

Davis is now healthy and is expected to be a part of the Mets' future at first base. He is an extremely good power hitter that can hit the ball a mile at any given moment. He also possesses good defensive skills and is likely to win at least one Gold Glove Award during his career. However, Sandy Alderson has stated that no one is untouchable, so if other teams blow him away with an amazing deal then someone like Davis could very well be traded.

Here are 10 potential trades involving Ike Davis that could make sense for the Mets.

1. Miami Marlins

One swap that could make a lot of sense would be if the Mets traded Davis to the Miami Marlins for their first baseman, Gaby Sanchez.

Both Davis and Sanchez came up in 2010 and had great rookie seasons. They have also each shown a lot of explosive power, plus great natural defensive skills. Their ages are similar as well. Thus, a swap between Davis and Sanchez would most likely work for both sides if the Mets and Marlins ever chose to make such a trade.

2. Washington Nationals

Another division rival that the Mets could potentially strike a deal with are the Washington Nationals.

After having a breakout season of his own, Michael Morse will likely be the Opening Day first baseman for the Nationals in 2012, but if the Nationals were to prefer a first baseman with better defensive range and a left-handed power bat to balance out the right-handed bats of Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth, Davis is someone that the Nationals could try to pursue.

The Nationals would not even necessarily have to trade Morse in order to acquire Davis. Morse can also play left field and the Mets would probably be more inclined to acquire a shortstop to replace the recently departed Jose Reyes. One name that comes to mind is Ian Desmond, who is a promising young shortstop that had a lot of upside.

If the Nationals are looking to trade Desmond, it's very likely that the Mets could make a trade proposal and send either someone like Davis or a package or prospects.

3. Chicago Cubs

One team that could definitely use a new first baseman are the Chicago Cubs. They are unlikely to bring back Carlos Pena and if they lose out on the Prince Fielder sweepstakes, they could still be in the market for a first baseman.

Davis could definitely fit the Cubs' description as a big-time slugger and run producer. However, the Mets will definitely want something really good from the Cubs as well. The Mets' top priority is to get a new shortstop and the Cubs' Starlin Castro would be an excellent fit with the Mets. In order to obtain Castro, the Mets would probably have to give up a top prospect in addition to Davis, but if the offer is good enough then the Mets should definitely listen in.

4. Milwaukee Brewers

Speaking of Prince Fielder, the Brewers will certainly be in the market for a first baseman if they fail to re-sign Fielder. They could use a trade to fill the need and Davis would likely fit in well with the Brewers' explosive lineup.

A Davis for Mat Gamel trade may not necessarily be the most likely deal the two teams could make. Besides a shortstop, the Mets could also use a regular right fielder to bolster their lineup. The Brewers' Corey Hart could potentially be on the move if this is the case. Hart would fit well with the Mets and their stadium.

The Brewers may be reluctant to trade someone like Hart because he has become an integral part of the Brewers' offense and is a very popular player in Milwaukee. However, a trade between Davis and Hart would likely make both sides happy and satisfied.

5. San Francisco Giants

The Mets and Giants have already made a deal to swap center fielders, so there is no reason why the two teams couldn't work out another trade.

The Giants need a first baseman and if they do not sign Prince Fielder, they could look to trade for one like Davis. Being that the Giants are widely known for their excellent young pitchers, they could look to deal one of Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner or Ryan Vogelsong.

Eventually, the Giants may not be able to re-sign all these players to the pricey contracts they are very likely to demand. Thus, trading one of those pitchers could make a lot of sense for the Giants down the road from a financial perspective. It could also give the Mets another big name besides Johan Santana in their rotation.

In order to complete a trade like this, the Mets would most likely have to part ways with one of Mike Pelfrey, Jon Niese, Dillon Gee, or one of their mid-level pitching prospects in addition to Davis.

6. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers could be yet another team potentially interested in a new first baseman.

The Dodgers may not tender a contract to incumbent first baseman James Loney, especially after the legal issues he is going through following a traffic collision. As a result, they too could be looking for a new first baseman and Davis could definitely be a good fit in a park like Dodger Stadium.

The Mets could also trade Davis along with a mid-level or even a top pitching prospect in order to obtain someone like Andre Ethier, who could fit the Mets' need for a new right fielder.

7. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are yet another team that could use a legitimate first baseman to bolster their lineup.

While the Rays are a good team with a solid offense, they are missing a slugger at first base that could make their offense a whole lot better. Acquiring someone like Davis would make sense and they would acquire a left-handed power bat to complement the right-handed hitting of Evan Longoria.

In exchange for Davis, the Mets could look to acquire B.J. Upton to give themselves more depth in the outfield, even though the Mets just traded for a center fielder in Andres Torres. Torres though could move to right field if Upton were ever acquired.

The Mets could also try to pick up Ben Zobrist, who is a great utility player that any team could use. He can play all the infield and outfield positions and has really blossomed into a more consistent hitter.

8. Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have a bit of a logjam at first base. Justin Morneau's health has been questionable for the past two seasons and the Twins may even look to deal one of their cornerstone hitters if they feel he will not be able to last a full season in 2012.

Catcher Joe Mauer is starting to make the transition to first base, as illustrated by the occasional starts he made there. Furthermore, the Twins also have a first base prospect in Chris Parmelee if they feel Morneau is getting past his prime.

Instead of hoping for the most out of Parmelee, the Twins could possibly trade either him or Morneau to the Mets in exchange for Davis. Both teams could benefit, as the Twins are getting younger and have progressed further in the rebuilding process than the Mets, who could use a veteran presence like Morneau in their own young lineup.

9. Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians could also use a new first baseman to boost their offense and get them back to winning like they did in the 1990s.

If the Mets were to trade Davis to the Indians, they could try to get shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera in return to fill their void at that position. Cabrera had a breakout season in 2011 and his numbers would likely carry over well to a park like Citi Field.

Another possibility could be the combination of the right-handed hitting Matt LaPorta and a top shortstop prospect.

10. Texas Rangers

Although the Texas Rangers have arguably the best offense in baseball, they could use a better first baseman altogether, especially with the logjam they have with Mitch Moreland and their utility man, Michael Young.

If the Rangers were to acquire Davis, they could trade Young to the Mets. He would be a great veteran presence that could play any position in the infield, but he would most likely play shortstop for the Mets. Moreland could also fit well with the Mets, as he is a similar type of player like Davis is.

This trade may be a bit of a reach for the Mets, but if Young in particular is available then the Mets should definitely try to take advantage of it.