An American League source close to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com says the New York Mets tried to trade Oliver Perez, who is midway through a three-year, $36 million contract, to the Kansas City Royals.

Rubin says that the Mets approached the Royals about exchanging Perez for right-handed pitcher Gil Meche. Both pitchers have deals that expire after the 2011 season for the same $12 million per year.

Earlier this year, Perez refused an assignment to Triple-A Buffalo despite his then 10.13 ERA in the bullpen. His refusal caused friction in the clubhouse with one player saying, “You tell him you go to Triple-A or that’s it, you are finished,” His contract allows Perez to refuse assignments to the Minors.

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