Mets rumors: New York nearing deal for outfielder?

The New York Mets are closing in on a deal for a mystery free-agent outfielder, and could have him signed in the next few days, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post.

The Mets have been on the hunt for outfield help all offseason -- and made it a priority at the Winter Meetings -- but have yet to add anyone since buying out the remainder of Jason Bay's contract last month. New York has been tied to several names -- including Cody Ross and Scott Hairston -- but Puma believes that the deal the club has in the works is for a player previously unlinked to the Mets, so Ross and Hairston are not likely.

It was reported earlier in the offseason that the Mets would not be in play for the biggest outfield names -- so one would assume that the approaching deal does not involve Michael Bourn or Nick Swisher -- but there is no telling how the completion of yesterday's R.A. Dickey trade has impacted the club's strategy going forward.

If the club is going after one of the second- or third-tier names available, players like Ryan Sweeney, Delmon Young, Grady Sizemore, and Austin Kearns are possibilities.