The Mets will target Denard Span in free agency and keep their eye on Gerardo Parra and Dexter Fowler, writes Marc Carig of Newsday.
Span, 31, played just 61 games in an injury-plagued 2015 and hit .301/.365/.431 with five homers and 21 RBI. He didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Nationals which makes him very appealing. MLBTR Projected: Three years, $39 million
Fowler, 29, is a switch hitter who could play center field with Yoenis Cespedes‘ likely departure. Fowler could share time with Juan Lagares at center field. But should the Mets sign Fowler, they could also look to trade Lagares, who has $23 million left on the contract he signed back in spring training. He batted .250/.346/.411 with 17 home runs and 20 stolen bases last season. MLBTR Projected: Four years, $60 million
Parra, 28, is a left-handed hitter who could also give the Mets a compliment at center field as well. The Mets were interested in acquiring him at the trade deadline in July but he got traded to Baltimore. He batted .291/.328/.452 with a career-high 14 home runs last season. MLBTR Projected: Three years, $27 million
The Mets have long been interested in the 34-year old Ben Zobrist. He is a super utility man who can play second base while occasionally playing shortstop and third base as well. But Zobrist could have a lot of suitors after helping the Royals win the World Series. He batted .276/.359/,450 for the Royals and A’s last season with 36 doubles and 13 homers. MLBTR Projected: Three years, $51 million
The Mets could also pursue Colby Rasmus, but his career .313 on-base percentage might not put him high on the Mets’ wish list and he’s considered a fallback option according to Carig.
