TAT’ WOULD WORK: If the Mets do not re-sign Carlos Delgado, Fernando Tatis (left) could be an option to fill the void at first base. EPA
The Mets’ hunt for another first-base option includes a longtime favorite of general manager Omar Minaya.
According to an industry source, if Carlos Delgado is not re-signed, Fernando Tatis is a strong candidate to rejoin the Mets next season. The organization continues to monitor Delgado’s progress in the Puerto Rican winter league.
The Rockies and Mariners have expressed interest in the free agent Tatis, who appeared in 125 games for the Mets last season and batted .282 with eight homers and 48 RBIs. More notably, he hit into 13 double plays in only 340 at-bats.
Tatis’ agent, Gary Goodman, told The Post he has not been contacted by the Mets, but also said Tatis possibly has made direct contact with Minaya.
The general manager and player have a long history, dating to the early 1990s when Minaya, then a scout with the Rangers, signed the 18-year-old Tatis. Minaya and Tatis were later together with the Expos, before reuniting with the Mets in 2008.
“I don’t think the door is closed,” Goodman said, when asked about Tatis possibly rejoining the Mets.
Tatis’ possible re-employment by the Mets figures to hinge on whether the team signs Delgado, who still hasn’t shown he can consistently play first base as he attempts a comeback from the hip surgery that sidelined him for most of 2009.
Delgado’s agent, David Sloane, said his client primarily has been a designated hitter in Puerto Rico this winter because he doesn’t want to overextend himself.
“The team he plays for plays on [artificial] turf and our concern was we didn’t want him to do too much too soon,” Sloane said.
With Delgado’s winter season nearing conclusion, a decision on the first baseman likely will be reached soon. If the Mets re-sign Delgado, he would become the primary first baseman. Otherwise, the team could look to Tatis for a platoon with Daniel Murphy.
The Mets’ sense of urgency to add a bat has increased in the last week, because Carlos Beltran underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee that likely will sideline him for at least the first month of the season.
* Jason Bay confirmed a report from earlier in the week that indicated the Red Sox offered him a four-year contract last summer worth $60 million, but then reduced their offer because of worries about his knees.
The outfielder told WEEI in Boston that he later had two independent evaluations of his knees that revealed no problems, in addition to the exam performed by Mets physician Dr. David Altchek.
Bay said the Red Sox wanted him to undergo knee surgery after last season as a condition of him re-signing with the club.