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The New York Mets "like" free agent Scott Hairston, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, but they view him as a fallback option if they are unable to land a "bigger name" outfielder, such as Arizona Diamondbacks’ Justin Upton:
#mets like scott hairston but view as fallback option. if they cant get bigger name OFs, then they'll move on SH
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 11, 2013
#mets found price high on @jus10up10 early. judging by mariners offer, it's still not low. but theyd be happy to re-engage
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 11, 2013
Heyman adds that the Mets found the Diamondbacks’ asking price on Upton to be high earlier this offseason. It still appears to be that way, considering what the Seattle Mariners were prepared to send Arizona for the slugger, but Heyman notes New York would "be happy to re-engage" talks.
The Mets have been tied to outfielders for much of the offseason. Their current crop of candidates includes Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Lucas Duda, Jordany Valdespin, Andrew Brown and Collin Cowgill.
Hairston figured to be as good of an acquisition as the Mets would get this winter, but they have apparently set their sights higher than the 32-year-old. Beyond Upton, New York could also be interested in Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel. While it seems like Upton will be the outfielder on the move, Arizona has also discussed Kubel with teams since signing Cody Ross.
