Report: Mets getting serious in R.A. Dickey trade talks

The New York Mets are inching closer to trading 2012 NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, according to a tweet from ESPN baseball reporter Jayson Stark.

Sources say #Mets have gotten "serious" about trading R.A. Dickey as soon as this week. #Rangers & #Royals seen as most logical fits.—
Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 03, 2012

Dickey and the Mets have been locked in contract negotiations since the end of the season, but it appears little progress has been made. Dickey holds a one-year, $5 million option, but given his performance this last season and the potential for distraction during next season, the Mets would rather trade Dickey or sign him to a new contract. It now looks like a trade is more likely.

Both the teams mentioned in Stark’s tweet have expressed interest in acquiring a front-line starting pitcher, with the Royals publicly offering an enticing package of prospects in any deal.