We have considered A's DH/outfielder Jack Cust a non-tender candidate for some time. Today, Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News writes that Cust is indeed "expected to be traded" before the December 12th non-tender deadline.
Rubin says the Mets are "believed to have considered" acquiring Cust, while Seattle "may be the most likely destination" and the Rangers "may have interest."
As Rubin says, the cost for Cust figures to be low. For one, the A's have to trade him if they want to avoid paying him more than $3MM next year after an arbitration raise. Second, DH types are plentiful.
Obviously the Mets would see Cust as a left fielder. Cust played 401.6 innings in right field this year and 585.6 in left last year, and the UZR/150 defensive metric was not kind. Offensively, Cust is known for his propensity to homer, strike out, or walk. His line slipped to .240/.356/.417 in his third full season.
