Mets rumors: Scott Hairston, Ben Francisco, Scott Podsednik

The New York Mets have expressed interest in free agents Scott Hairston and Ben Francisco, but they have yet to pursue outfielder Scott Podsednik, according to Mark Hale of The New York Post.

The Mets have been in the market for outfielders throughout the offseason, but as of yet they haven’t added anyone of note. There have been talks that the team may not sign an outfielder to a major league contract at all before the winter is up, but they continue to be tied to potential targets.

Hairston spent the 2012 season with the Mets. The 32-year-old hit .263/.299/.504 with 25 doubles and 20 home runs over 377 at-bats.

He’s been a reserve player throughout much of his career, but Hairston’s solid past two seasons in Flushing have several teams expressing interest in him.

Francisco played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays last season, hitting .240/.285/.385 with 14 doubles, one triple and four home runs over 192 at-bats. He owns a career line of .257/.326/.425 over six seasons at the major league level.

Beyond Hairston and Francisco, the Mets have also been tied to Arizona Diamondbacks outfielders Justin Upton and Jason Kubel recently. However, it doesn’t appear as New York is a fit for the outfielders.