MLB

Market for Ike Davis getting thinner and thinner

While Ike Davis has been linked primarily to Milwaukee as the Mets look to clear their logjam of mediocre first basemen, the Brewers aren’t simply waiting to make a deal for the inconsistent slugger.

The National League Central Division team also is interested in free agent Michael Young, according to Fox Sports, although the Brewers would prefer to bring in a natural first baseman — something Young is not.

Nevertheless, the Mets were preaching patience Wednesday. One source said the Pirates were just as much in play for Davis as the Brewers and reiterated what general manager Sandy Alderson said on Tuesday: the Mets are willing to wait out not just Davis’ situation, but also that of the bullpen.

As for the Pirates, Davis could be a left-handed supplement to Gaby Sanchez at first, but so far no team has met the Mets’ asking price of young pitching.

The Brewers are hardly alone in their interest in the 37-year-old Young. He could remain with the Dodgers while the Nationals are another potential destination.

Davis is coming off a rough 2013, in which he hit just .205, but the Mets are hoping they can sell teams not just on his 32-homer year of 2012, but his improved production at the plate in the second half of last season.

On June 10, Davis was sent down to Triple-A Las Vegas, and he was recalled on July 5. During his second stint in the majors last year, Davis hit .267 with four homers and 17 RBIs and had an OPS of .872 in 170 plate appearances.

Despite the Mets’ desire to clear the roster spot and the $3.5 million Davis is expected to make in arbitration, Alderson said Tuesday it was conceivable the team could bring both Davis and Lucas Duda to spring training if they don’t find a willing trade partner.

That the Brewers have interest in Young, who will be entering his 15th major league season and has seen his production drop off in recent years, won’t make a move any easier.