Mets rumors: New York 'in the mix' for Scott Hairston

The New York Mets are one of five teams "in the mix" to sign free-agent outfielder Scott Hairston, but the club will have to offer the veteran a multi-year deal if they want to retain him, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN New York:

"Things are starting to pick up now that the market is settling in," Hairston told ESPNNewYork.com. "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."

The New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals are the other four teams keeping an eye on Hairston, who hit .263/.299/.504 with a career-best 20 home runs in 134 games for the Mets in 2012.

The 32-year-old Hairston earned $1.1 million in his two seasons with the Mets, but is likely seeking a bit of a raise to go with his multi-year contract.

The righty slugger has always had a large platoon split, slugging nearly 100 points better against southpaws than right-handers, which could prevent clubs from adding the veteran as a full-time player.