Mets not likely to pursue big-name outfielders this winter

The New York Mets are unlikely to pursue any high-profile outfielders this winter and will be reluctant to offer anything beyond a two-year deal to those they do pursue, reports Andy Martino of the NY Daily News:

Let's do this once, to save us a winter of speculation:

B.J. Upton? No. Michael Bourn? No. Shane Victorino? No. None of these players will be a Met in 2013, according to two high-ranking team insiders.

With most of the current outfield largely up in the air in terms of playing time for next season, it is widely known the Mets need some outfield help this winter. Jason Bay will remain with the club, Lucas Duda and Mike Baxter are corner options, and Scott Hairston may re-sign, but GM Sandy Alderson believes he can build a stronger outfield with outside players.

This may be difficult to accomplish without throwing down a bit of money, but it could also just mean that Alderson's main path to acquiring the help will be via trade(s). The Mets payroll for next season is expected to stay around the $90 million of this year, which leaves the club with roughly $35 million to spend in the offseason.