Throughout the offseason, Ike Davis and Lucas Duda have repeatedly showed up in trade rumors. At least for now, it appears that the New York Mets will open spring training with both players in camp. Davis avoided arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
Davis, who is 26 and was the Mets’ first round pick out of Arizona State University in 2008, had a forgettable 2012 campaign.
After slugging 32 home runs in 2012, the left-handed hitting first baseman endured a prolonged season-opening slump last year and was demoted to the minors.
Davis finished with a .205 average, nine home runs, 33 RBI and a .661 OPS in 377 plate appearances. In 2012, his 32 home runs were accompanied by 90 RBI but just a .227 average.
Davis and the 27-year-old Duda both hit from the left side and play first base. Considering their similar skill set, one was projected to be dealt this offseason, but Mets general manager Sandy Alderson recently said that the club will be happy to have both names on the roster. Duda also plays left field.
A trade is still possible since the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers are in need of a first baseman. Duda is one of five arbitration-eligible Mets players who had yet to agree to terms on Thursday.
