Rumor: Lugo Not Trade Worthy for Mets

Sorry Red Sox fans, but don't expect the Sox to get anything — not even a fresh batch of shiny baseballs, a bucket of seeds or an on deck donut — for shortstop Julio Lugo, who was recently designated for assignment.

According to the New York Daily News, the Mets (perhaps the only franchise crazy enough to tackle Lugo's $13.5 million contract), will not trade for the veteran middle infielder. Reports surfaced over the weekend that the NL East's fourth-place team from Queens was interested in acquiring Lugo as their All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes continues to battle a calf injury and replacement Alex Cora continues to struggle in his absence.

The Daily News' Adam Rubin reported Monday:

"The Mets are unlikely to trade for Julio Lugo because they'd be on the hook for roughly $13.5 million in salary, but a source in regular contact with Red Sox management reiterated Sunday that he fully expects Omar Minaya will sign the infielder when he becomes a free agent, which may take a week."

This means that should the Sox get no offers (and not re-sign Lugo) within 10 days of the date of his designation, Lugo will become a free agent and have the liberty to sign on with any MLB club. If and when a team signs him after July 27, the Sox would be stuck with the bulk of the $13.5 million owed.

Before his departure on July 17, Lugo was hitting .284 with 16 runs and eight RBIs in 37 games for the Red Sox this season.