Mets Offering Pitchers Gee, Niese As Trade Bait: Reports

New York Mets starting pitcher Dillon Gee pitches against the Washington Nationals last season. Reuters/Brad Penner/USA Today Sports

The New York Mets are making one of their starting pitchers available via a trade to promote top pitching prospect Steven Matz. New York is reportedly looking to deal one or both of Dillon Gee and Jon Niese -- but any deal could be delayed because of the recent Major League Baseball draft.

Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi reported the development, adding that the Milwaukee Brewers are interested in a trade with the Mets. David Lennon of Newsday.com also confirmed the report.

Mets and Brewers have had preliminary trade talks, sources say. Mets are looking at Brewers position players. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 10, 2015

Told #Mets been on hold for draft, but now will look to move a pitcher in short order. Know they’re wasting Matz starts in Vegas.
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) June 10, 2015

The 24-year-old Matz was the 72nd overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft and made his pro debut in 2012 because of a Tommy John surgery in 2010. He played for the Class A club at Savannah, Georgia, in 2013 when he went 5-6 with a 2.62 ERA in his first full season striking out 121 batters.

The Mets are currently second in the East division of the National League with a 31-29 win-loss record.