Rays join Mets in trade talks with Seattle involving infielder Franklin

The Rays have joined the Mets in looking at possible trades for young Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, sources say.

Tampa Bay may actually match up better with Seattle in such an endeavor, according to the sources.

The Rays and Mariners had extensive trade talks earlier this winter involving superstar pitcher David Price so there's, at the least, some familiarity with each others' systems.

Franklin is from the Orlando area and starred at his high school there.

Franklin hit 12 home runs as a rookie playing second base and shortstop for Seattle last year, but became expendable when the Mariners made a $240 million investment in free-agent second baseman Robinson Cano. Seattle has another young shortstop, Brad Miller, as well, and it was Miller who played shortstop upon his ascension.

The Mets are concerned about their shortstop situation and early reports out of Port St. Lucie suggest there are still questions about Ruben Tejada, with the New York Post recently suggesting the team wasn't satisfied with him. The Mets made an offer earlier to free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, believed to be for about $9.5 million, that was turned down. ESPNNY.com first reported of the Mets' interest.