The Mets have been looking for outfield help and so far haven’t figured out a way to land Michael Bourn.
But yesterday, they signed Marlon Byrd to a minor-league deal and while he doesn’t have Bourn’s pedigree, he at least brings some baggage.
The right-handed hitting Byrd tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended shortly after being designated for assignment by the Red Sox last season. He did not appear with the Red Sox again.
The 35-year-old hit .210 with two doubles, a homer and nine RBIs in 47 combined games with the Cubs and Boston.
Byrd had remained fairly productive in Chicago before last year and was an All Star as recently as 2010.
The Mets invited him to major-league spring training and will give him a chance to win a spot in an outfield so far filled with unproven players.