Updated by HoJo on 12/23
Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York, reports that while the New York Yankees remain interested in free agent Scott Hairston, he would prefer to return to the Mets where he believes he’d be able to log significantly more playing time.
Hairston has been holding out for the Mets since the season ended, but they must be far apart on dollars or a reunion would have materialized by now.
Original Post by Joe D. on 12/21
A team source told Newsday’s Marc Carig that the team remains in position to splurge on one multiyear deal this offseason. That will most likely go toward signing a right-handed-hitting outfielder.
With the makeup of the outfield market, the source said going beyond one year may be the Mets’ best avenue to “bring on a high-quality player.” Scott Hairston remains a logical fit for a reunion.
The source also told Carig that Hairston is well-regarded and his personality fit well in the clubhouse. His familiarity with the club increases the chances that he stays in New York.
Last week, Scott Hairston told Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, that the Mets remain in the mix, but a multiyear contract will be required for him to return to Queens.
“Things are starting to pick up now that the market is settling in,” Hairston said. “Still unsure where I’ll sign, though. There are a lot of trades happening around the league, so it’s possible that interest may rise in the next few days. My agent has been in contact with Sandy [Alderson], so he is aware I want a multiyear deal.”
Hairston also is receiving interest from the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.
As I’ve maintained all along, I’d love to see Hairston return in 2013. He was one of the few nice surprises last season when in a limited role he hit 20 home runs (third on the team) with 57 RBI in 377 at-bats. His .803 OPS ranked second on the team trailing only David Wright.
