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Heyman: Mets Interested In Power-Hitting Korean Shortstop Jung-Ho Kang

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Yankees got their shortstop of the future last week.

Now it's the Mets' turn.

General manager Sandy Alderson has stated that he's comfortable going into the 2015 season with Wilmer Flores at shortstop, but that doesn't mean he's not looking to upgrade the position.

According to CBSSports.com/WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman, the Mets are among three teams -- along with the Athletics and Giants -- who are interested in power-hitting Korean shortstop Jung-Ho Kang.

Heyman reports that Kang, 27, is regarded as the top shortstop in Korea. He was remarkable at the plate in 2014 for the Nexen Heroes, posting a .364/.457/.733 slash line and belting 39 homers in just 116 games.

The Mets have been linked to Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro and White Sox shortstop  Alexei Ramirez, but in order to acquire either of them they would likely have to part with one of their elite young pitchers. Heyman reported on Sunday that the Cubs have told clubs that Castro is no longer available.

Longtime Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is not willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Mets, according to Heyman.

Kang won't sign at this week's Winter Meetings in San Diego. According to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the plan is for Kang to be posted by his Korean club next week.

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