James Loney Acquired by Mets

As suspected last week, the Mets have found their short-term solution at first base by reaching an agreement with the Padres to acquire veteran James Loney. The U-T's Dennis Lin reports that he was traded for "cash considerations", which could mean little more than a goodwill gesture on the Padres' behalf to earn some brownie points with Mets' brass. Lucas Duda was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his back, which placed the Mets in a position of need with Duda likely out for the remainder of the season as the team is fighting for the NL East with the Washington Nationals.

Loney was signed in April to a minor league deal after being released by the Rays, who are on the hook for his $8M 2016 salary. That means that the Mets now have a veteran lefty first baseman who can hold down the fort for the league minimum. While he's been hitting well in the PCL at a .342/.373/.424 clip, his platoon splits suggest that he might enter a timeshare with righty Eric Campbell. Loney brings steady defense at first with a contact bat and patient approach at the plate, but only a fraction of the power that Duda possesses.

Loney was the El Paso Chihuahuas' primary first baseman, but now it appears that the first base job will likely be filled by former Met Josh Satin (how ironic!). Mike Olt is still in San Antonio, but don't be surprised if he gets moved up to take the spot.