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Report: Mets Have 'Some Level Of Interest' In Free Agent Phil Hughes

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets' top priority this offseason is acquiring offense -- mainly power -- so it makes sense that general manager Sandy Alderson is reportedly very interested in signing free-agent slugger Curtis Granderson.

But the old adage is true: You can never, ever have enough pitching.

And with Matt Harvey set to miss the 2014 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the Mets have eyes on yet another Yankees free agent: Phil Hughes.

New York has "some level of interest" in the 27-year-old, a source told the New York Daily News' Andy Martino.

The 2010 All-Star had a brutal season for the Bronx Bombers in 2013. He went an abysmal 4-14 with a 5.19 ERA, surrendering 24 home runs in 145 2/3 innings.

Hughes, notorious for being a fly-ball pitcher, would likely have more success pitching at spacious Citi Field than he did at Yankee Stadium. Making the switch from the American League East to the National League East could benefit the seventh-year player as well.

The Kansas City Royals are also interested in signing Hughes, according to WFAN/CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman.

The Mets have also considered signing free-agent center fielder Chris Young, a source told Newsday. Young would likely be a fallback option in the event that Alderson fails to sign or trade for a top-tier outfielder.

Young, 30, was an All-Star in 2010. He's hit at least 20 home runs in four seasons -- 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011 -- and has stolen more than 20 bases three times (2007, 2010, 2011).

The right-handed hitter struggled mightily in 2013, however, in 107 games for the A's. Young hit just .200 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs.

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