Mets In Mix For Michael Bourn?; Hairston To Cubs
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Don't look now, the Mets are thought to be in the mix for a free-agent outfielder.
Michael Bourn has become a "realistic" option for New York, according to the New York Post.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson "has softened his position" and "seems more willing" to give up the team's top draft choice as compensation to the Atlanta Braves, the Post reported.
The Mets are trying to win a ruling to keep the selection -- No. 11 overall -- because the Pittsburgh Pirates jumped ahead when they failed to sign their top pick in 2012, according to the Post. The top 10 picks are protected.
The 30-year-old, represented by super agent Scott Boras, hit .274 with 9 home runs, 57 RBIs and 42 stolen bases for Atlanta last season.
The Braves, Mariners and Rangers are also believed to be in the mix for Bourn.
One more target came off the Mets' board on Wednesday when Scott Hairston reached an agreement with the Cubs, according to WFAN and CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman.
Hairston had a productive 2012 in New York, batting .263 with 20 home runs and 57 RBIs for the Mets.
Last week, Alderson jokingly compared his offseason to the Manti Te'o saga: "I am in discussions with several outfielders. I met them on the Internet."
It wasn't the first time the general manager, who raised eyebrows with his one-liners on Twitter last year, poked fun at the outfield situation.
"What outfield?" he joked in November.
Mets fans -- is Bourn your guy? Be heard in the comments!
