Mets trading with Braves for offensive help, according to sources

— -- NEW YORK -- The Mets are close to a deal with the Atlanta Braves to acquire third baseman Juan Uribe and lefty-hitting utility player Kelly Johnson, MLB sources told ESPN's Jim Bowden.

Uribe, who primarily has played third base in recent seasons, is hitting a combined .272 with eight homers and 23 RBIs with the Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Uribe, 36, is earning $6.5 million in the final year of his contract.

Johnson, 33, is hitting .275 with nine homers and 34 RBIs. He has appeared at first, second and third base and both corner outfield positions this season. He is earning $1.5 million.

The Mets will send right-handers Michael Gant and Rob Whalen to the Braves, the New York Post reports. Gant, 22, is a combined 6-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 17 starts between Class A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton this season. Whalen is 4-5 with a 3.36 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) for St. Lucie.

New York has been looking to bolster its anemic offense, with third baseman David Wright at least a month away from returning from spinal stenosis and left fielder Michael Cuddyer  now on the disabled list with a bone bruise below his left kneecap.

The Mets entered Friday's game against the Dodgers ranked last in the majors in batting average at .233 and ahead of only the Chicago White Sox in runs scored.

Uribe's addition could push Daniel Murphy back to second base and return Wilmer Flores to shortstop, with Ruben Tejada becoming a backup player.

The Mets promoted lefty-hitting outfield prospect Michael Conforto on Friday. General manager Sandy Alderson said Conforto's stay could be short-lived if the Mets acquire an outfield bat.