The Mets are in no hurry to bid against themselves for Curtis Granderson’s services.
With it unclear if there is another team willing to offer the free-agent outfielder three years, never mind four, the Mets were holding steady in negotiations on Thursday.
On the table for Granderson was a three-year contract believed to be worth just north of $45 million with possibly a vesting option for 2017. But the 32-year-old outfielder has sought a four-year guaranteed deal that would bring the total value of the package past $60 million, according to an industry source.
Granderson’s agent, Matt Brown, has continued discussions with other clubs, but there is no evidence another team has made him an offer.
The Mariners have money to spend and remain a threat, but also seem preoccupied in discussions that could bring Robinson Cano to Seattle.
The White Sox have a need for lefty power — and Granderson has Chicago roots — but haven’t stepped up. The Red Sox could use another outfielder in the aftermath of Jacoby Ellsbury’s defection to the Yankees, but are thought to be seeking a right-handed bat. Another team in search of power, the Diamondbacks, probably isn’t willing to match the Mets’ offer.
The 32-year-old Granderson declined a qualifying offer from the Yankees, meaning the Mets would forfeit a second-round draft pick next season if they sign him. The Mets’ first-round pick (10th overall) is protected.
The Mets also continue to search for a trade partner that could bring the team a decent return for Ike Davis or Lucas Duda. One such trade partner may have disappeared on Thursday, when the Brewers sent outfielder Norichika Aoki to the Royals for pitcher Will Smith.
According to a Fox Sports report, the Brewers liked Smith better than Davis because he is still under club control. Davis, who earned $3.1 million last season, is arbitration eligible and recently was tendered a contract by the Mets.
Chris Young, who signed a one-year, $7.25 million contract in November represents the Mets’ offseason haul at this point. The Mets also had interest in Jhonny Peralta, but the veteran shortstop accepted a $53 million contract over four years from the Cardinals.
On the back burner is adding another starting pitcher who could help consume innings and bolster a rotation in which Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee and Jon Niese are the only givens.