The Mets are continuing to search for a center fielder, relief help, and a starting rotation upgrade ahead of Thursday's 6 p.m. ET trade deadline, but it's also possible they do something outside the box.

According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, while the Mets have "a lot of balls in the air," the potential of them swinging a trade for Brandon Lowe of the Rays "is worth watching, because they also had interest and talked to" the Rays about Lowe last year.

Lowe is slashing .269/.320/.480 with 19 homers in 350 plate appearances over 86 games this season for Tampa Bay, posting a 121 OPS+.

He has been a steady offensive performer since debuting in 2018, with an .810 OPS over eight big league seasons -- all with the Rays.

The 31-year-old has spent most of his time at second base this season, and can also play first base. He is currently on the IL due to ankle/foot issues, but is expected to return relatively soon.

Lowe is under team control through 2026, with a club option for $11.5 million.

But where would Lowe fit if the Mets traded for him?

One would have to imagine any scenario where the Mets land Lowe would mean trading one or more infielders currently on the active roster -- whether they're moved in a deal for Lowe or someone else.

As Martino reported on Monday, the Mets have discussed trading Mark Vientos. The other primary infielders on the roster whose roles aren't fully cemented are Jeff McNeil (who has been flipping between second base and center field), Ronny Mauricio, Brett Baty, and Luisangel Acuña.

Lowe could conceivably also be used as a DH, but the Mets have been utilizing Starling Marte and others there, and could soon get Jesse Winker back.

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