The New York Mets have a burning hole in their outfield they need to fill. The team did not get Jason Heyward like they were hoping while also losing Michael Cuddyer to retirement. The team has money thanks to missing out on Ben Zobrist while also banking cash from Cuddyer's retirement, but that does not mean they are ready to go big on another contract as they look for help in the outfield.
According to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News, Yoenis Cespedes is out of the team's price range. The Mets are likely losing both Daniel Murphy and Cespedes in free agency, thanks to unwillingness to pay them more money. The outfielder who was a trade-deadline acquisition is expected to ink a deal around six years and $120 million. The Mets are not going to meet those demands.
Assistant general manager John Ricco told the Daily News that the Mets are looking for second-level stars to fill the outfield which will not make fans very happy considering they have the financial means to sign someone like Justin Upton or Alex Gordon. Instead, the Mets have checked in on Denard Span. He would be a bargain thanks to his injury history from the past year. Will Venable is also expected to be a target for the Mets. Gerardo Parra will also get interest from the team. He had a good season in 2015, but again has health concerns. He has received a few offers, but has not signed anything yet.
Could a trade be something the Mets look at? According to Bleacher Report, the Mets were in the market for a deal for Jorge Soler who is expendable with the Chicago Cubs. Zach Wheeler was the player being offered, but the Mets are reluctant to trade the pitcher. The Daily News believes that Carlos Gonzalez could be a good get if the Colorado Rockies are serious about making him available along with Jackie Bradley Jr who could be available with the Boston Red Sox.
It appears the Mets are looking more for a bargain than someone who will break the bank. The New York Post reports the team will keep an eye on the market for Cespedes. He cannot be truly ruled out just yet. If teams are willing to offer him the six-year deal, the Mets will stay out. However, if the outfielder sits unsigned for the next few weeks, the Mets could re-enter discussions and try for a hometown discount.
