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Former Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson and the Mets are engaging in talks
as the club tries to solve its outfield issues.
Word is the Mets are offering a three-year deal, with Granderson believed to be
seeking five, at least at the start. A likely solution could be a four-year
deal.
Granderson is likely seeking close to $17 million annually.
The Mets seem to prefer him, if only slightly, to Nelson Cruz for two reasons:
1) he's left-handed and could provide a batting-order complement to franchise
player David Wright, and 2) he's a proven performer in New York.
The Mets, who previously signed Chris Young to a one-year, $7.25 million deal,
would not have to surrender a No. 1 pick since they possess the 10th and final
protected pick.
The Mets showed interest in Shin-Soo Choo but after saying they didn't see a
$100 million player on the market after Robinson Cano, it woould apear their
chances to sign Choo are close to nil, barring a change of heart. Mets general
manager Sandy Alderson met with Granderson last week in San Diego.
The Mets met with Cano, but that is seen as a long-shot play. They could show
interest if the price falls below $200 million, though, one person suggested.
Granderson led the majors by hitting 84 home runs between 2011-12 but was
derailed last season by two pitches that hit him, finishing with only seven
homers and a .229 batting average. Adam Rubin of ESPNNew York suggested talks
were "intensifying."