PORT ST. LUCIE — Nelson Cruz was there for the taking, but the Mets weren’t biting.
The veteran outfielder Cruz agreed to a one-year deal with the Orioles worth $8 million on Saturday, but general manager Sandy Alderson said Chris Young is the better fit for the Mets.
Young signed a one-year deal worth $7.25 million with the Mets in November, when Cruz’s price tag still was in a different stratosphere.
“It’s not just a different time frame, it’s a different type of player,” Alderson said. “I’m not here to critique Nelson Cruz, but he’s a very different player. He brings power to the table, no question about it, but he doesn’t bring the defense. He doesn’t really have our approach, necessarily.
“This is not a, ‘Gee-whiz if we just waited’ moment for us. We’re happy with Chris Young.”
Alderson indicated the Mets never were involved with Cruz, who batted .266 with 27 homers and 76 RBIs with a .833 OPS in 109 games for the Rangers last season. Cruz was among the players suspended in August for his connection to Biogenesis, which supplied banned performance enhancing drugs to players.
Alderson called it “unlikely” the Mets will sign Stephen Drew, who is working out at agent Scott Boras’ facility in South Florida. The Mets, Red Sox and reportedly two mystery suitors have expressed interest in Drew.
“It’s unlikely based on all the circumstances,” Alderson said. “It’s not just necessarily from out point of view, just look at all the circumstances and whatever options he may have. The likelihood of it happening is slim.’’
Bobby Parnell was “fine” in a bullpen session, a day after he was scratched from his workout because of discomfort in his left quadriceps. The right-hander indicated he might throw again Sunday.
Daniel Murphy has been told by manager Terry Collins it could be Game 6, 7 or 8 of the exhibition season before he starts getting at-bats. Collins’ goal is to keep Murphy from incurring fatigue that might lead to oblique/rib cage injuries. Murphy was sidelined by rib cage injuries in camp the previous two years. The Mets open their exhibition season on Friday against the Nationals.