Mets Appear To Be Only Team Set To Pay Free Agent Jason Bay

The Mets have finally gotten an early Christmas gift, as the hunt for Jason Bay was dropped by one team Friday when the Mariners traded for Milton Bradley. The only thing left for the Mets now is to come to a final agreement with Bay and bring him to Citi Field for the 2010 season.

Long before Bradley was dealt to Seattle, the Mets were without a doubt Bay’s primary suitors. The team is reluctant to drastically improve its offer of four years for about $65 million until the Mets believe another team is in the running.

“We’re still close to that,” a team insider said Friday night. “Everything’s pretty much the same.”

Even though this Jason Bay saga continues to unfold, we can now breathe easier. There was no doubt in mind that the Mets would sign Bay it just continues to be a matter of when, how many years, and how much money he will need.

I have a good feeling that Bay will be ready to sign before Christmas. We will hear much more about this here on Mets Merized Online throughout the weekend, so stay optimistic!