Report: Mets Have Interest In Versatile Outfielder Gerardo Parra
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- According to Newsday, the Mets have been in touch with free-agent outfielder Gerardo Parra's representatives.
The 28-year-old began the season with the Brewers and was traded to the Orioles on July 31. A two-time Gold Glove Award winner, Parra can play all three outfield positions. In 2015 he played 63 games in right field, 53 games in left field and 41 games in center field.
With Michael Conforto in left field and Curtis Granderson in right field -- Yoenis Cespedes is not expected to be re-signed -- Parra would likely platoon with Juan Lagares in center field and spell the corner outfielders when they need rest.
Parra hit .291 with 14 home runs and 51 RBIs for Milwaukee and Baltimore. He posted a .328 on-base percentage, ripped 36 doubles and stole 14 bases.
On Monday it was reported that the Mets also have interest in Ben Zobrist, who would be a logical replacement for Daniel Murphy at second base. Murphy rejected the Mets' one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer and is expected to sign a long-term deal elsewhere.
There appears to be plenty of interest in Zobrist, however, and he might command a four-year deal worth over $60 million. It's doubtful that general manager Sandy Alderson would offer the 34-year-old that kind of contract.
Because both Parra and Zobrist were traded during the season, they were not eligible to receive qualifying offers. That means the teams that sign these players won't have to surrender a draft pick.
