R.A. Dickey is having the best season of his career at age 38.
R.A. Dickey had the best season of his career at age 38. Reuters

It’s not often that the previous season’s Cy Young award winner is the biggest name on the trade market, but that appears to be the case this year.

The New York Mets are actively shopping R.A. Dickey at the 2012 winter meetings. The right-hander was one of the few bright spots for New York in a 74-win season, winning 20 games and pitching to a 2.73 ERA.

Dickey has one-year left on his contract at $5 million. He is looking to sign a new deal, but he and the Mets can’t seem to agree upon an extension. General manager Sandy Alderson has stated publicly that his priority is to keep the starter, but he will explore trade options if the two sides can’t agree upon a deal.

A few teams have inquired about acquiring Dickey’s services, including the Mets cross-town rivals. According to the New York Daily News, the Yankees and Mets have discussed a possible deal involving Dickey.

Even after re-signing Andy Pettitte and Hiroki Kuroda to one-year deals, the Yankees have expressed interest in trading for the 38-year-old. He would give the Bronx Bombers one of the best rotations in the MLB in 2013, if he were to be paired with those two veterans, as well as C.C. Sabathia.

It’s not unheard of for the two teams to make a deal with each other. They made a couple of trades in the early 2000’s, with deals involving Robin Ventura, David Justice, Mike Stanton and Armando Benitez.

However, the Daily News is reporting that an agreement between the clubs is unlikely. In exchange for Dickey, the Mets are looking for a young outfielder or catcher. Any talks between the two teams would likely have to start with catcher Gary Sanchez, arguably the Yankees top prospect. After losing Russell Martin to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Yankees might be unwilling to trade Sanchez for an ageing pitcher.

With talks breaking down between the two New York clubs, the Texas Rangers seem to be in the driver’s seat to land Dickey. Twenty-four-year-old Mike Olt would be the centerpiece of a potential deal. Though Olt is primarily a third baseman, he has played some time at first base and in right field. With David Wright’s new seven-year contract, Olt would likely move to the outfield if he’s sent to New York.

Texas is looking to upgrade their rotation, attempting to sign free agent Zack Greinke. Dickey would be a much cheaper option than Greinke, who may decide to stay in Los Angeles to play for either the Angels or Dodgers.

Other than trading for Dickey, the Rangers may be looking to trade a staple in their lineup for the past decade. Texas is talking to the Philadelphia Phillies about dealing Michael Young. The Rangers would receive prospects or bullpen help in a potential deal, according to Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com.

The likelihood a deal being completed may be in Young’s hands. He would have to approve any deal because of his no-trade clause.

Young has been a consistent performer in his 12-year career. He’s played in no less than 155 games in 10 of the last 11 years. The Rangers are looking to move him to free up money for potential free agents, and to make room for infielder Jurickson Profar.

MLB