MLB Trade Rumors: Should the Diamondbacks Trade Gerardo Parra for Pitching?

There is a chance that Joe Saunders will not return to Arizona in 2012, leaving a void in the starting rotation.

With the addition of Jason Kubel to the outfield, it would appear that Gerardo Parra will be relegated to a role as fourth outfielder for the Diamondbacks.

In his two years in Arizona, Saunders posted an ERA of 3.85 with a 1.334 WHIP.  In his 46 games for the Snakes, he managed a record of 15-20.  He is now 30 years old and is about to make some decent money (one could assume) on the open market.  

That money may not be coming from Arizona.  Having just spent a lot of money on Kubel, it seems more likely that the Diamondbacks will explore trade options rather than necessarily shelling out more cash for free agents.

In Parra, they have a pretty good chip.

Coming off of his best season to date, the 24-year-old batted .292 with a .357 OBP, .427 SLG and a .784 OPS.  He added 15 stolen bases and 46 RBI and tied for seventh in the NL in triples, with eight.

In other words, his stock is high, and it may be a good time to deal him for pitching.

While there are still several teams said to be interested in entertaining trade ideas, one team in particular comes to mind.  This is a team that could use the affordability of Parra as much as the Diamondbacks could use an affordable pitcher in return.  

The team? The New York Mets.

The player? Jon Niese.

Niese is only 25 years old and would be under team control until 2016.  In his four seasons, he has put together a record of 22-23 in 65 games for the Mets.  His career ERA is 4.39 and his WHIP 1.457.  

Every year it seems as though he is improving, and he is still very young.

I know, I know, the Mets have been on record stating that they would need to be "knocked out" with a package to deal Niese, but in part, Parra could be the type of player they could be "knocked out" by.  

Let's face it, Jason Bay has been a bust for the Mets and they surely would like a young, upcoming stud to take the reigns in left field.  Parra gives them that, at short money to boot.

Now, I also know that the Mets are on record stating that they would want a young pitcher and a young catcher in return for Niese.

Perhaps the Mets would entertain a swap of Niese for Parra and one prospect, like Patrick Corbin, in return.  Corbin, according to Baseball America, is the Diamonback's 10th best prospect and would serve the purpose of a young arm in return.

Odds are, this is no more than fodder for thought, however, the possibility of losing Saunders is a very real one.  That is an issue that can't be ignored.