The Mets remain interested in Chris Young, but the team denied a report last night it had made the free-agent right-hander an offer.
The 31-year-old has been a candidate to join the Mets since Sandy Alderson took over as general manager. Young pitched for the Padres when Alderson and player development VP Paul DePodesta were executives with San Diego.
Alderson has singled out the 6-foot-10 former Princeton standout on more than one occasion as a player the Mets might sign.
Young has consistently battled injuries — much like Chris Capuano and Taylor Buchholz, the two pitchers the Mets inked on Monday. Young’s shoulder problems limited him to just four games last year and 18 in the past two seasons.
The fly-ball pitcher is considered a good fit for Citi Field, he has had success when healthy and won’t cost much.
The Mets also continue to look at Jeff Francis as they try to add inexpensive depth to their starting rotation. Johan Santana likely is out until at least June and most of the Mets’ budgeted money for this year’s payroll already is accounted for.