Nationals trade for Mets' Milledge

The New York Mets have solved their catcher issue, acquiring the Nationals' Brian Schneider as well as outfielder Ryan Church in exchange for young outfielder Lastings Milledge, SI.com has confirmed.

Milledge played in 59 games for the Mets last season, batting .272 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs. The 22-year-old was considered a top prospect while coming up through the Mets' system but the team is down on the very talented slugger.

Schneider is the defensive catcher the Mets wanted to take over for free agent Paul Lo Duca. The Mets traded reliever Guillermo Mota for Brewers catcher Johnny Estrada earlier this offseason, but they will shop him around and possibly non-tender him since he is arbitration eligible. The Mets also signed backup catcher Ramon Castro to a two-year deal.

Church provides depth for the Mets in the outfield, where Moises Alou is not expected to be healthy for the entire season. Church batted .272 with 15 home runs for the Nationals last season, his first as a full-time starter.