R.A. Dickey Trade Rumors: Mets Nearing Deal For Cy Young Winner? [REPORT]

The Toronto Blue Jays are currently in the lead to land the knuckleballer and his expiring one-year $5 million contract, according to FOX Sports. The Mets could receive outfielder Anthony Gose and catchers J.P. Arencibia or Travis d’Arnaud, though the terms and the deal have not been finalized.

The 23-year-old D’Arnaud could be a huge pick up for New York. D'Arnaud is considered a top catching prospect and hit .333 in the Pacific Coast League this season. Gose is regarded as a power hitter with speed, though he is coming off a lackluster season in which he had just a .223 average in 166 at-bats for the Blue Jays.

If the trade goes through, the Mets will bank on that youth to replace one of baseball’s best stories of 2012. At 38 years old, Dickey has emerged as an elite starter. He was one of the few bright spots for the Mets in 2012, with a record of 20-6 and with a 2.73 earned-run avearge to go along with five complete games.

Dickey is reportedly asking for a two-year $25 million deal, though the Mets have been hesistant to meet his demands. His age may be of concern to New York, but knuckleball pichers apply little to no stress to a pitcher’s arm, and are capable of being effective pitchers past the age of 40.

This would be the second huge trade for the Blue Jays this offseason. They acquired starting pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle along with shortstop Jose Reyes in a 12-player trade with the Miami Marlins. 

Dickey could be an excellent addition for a Blue Jays' squad that appears intent on challenging for a playoff spot in the competitive American League East.