Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Hairston, Mets at stalemate?
By Jason Catania
Free agent Scott Hairston has been holding out for a two-year deal following a solid season for the New York Mets. The Mets, though, don't seem all that interested in giving the outfielder more than one year.
The Mets rejected Hairston's two-year, $8 million asking price and countered with an offer of $2 million for one year, per the New York Post's Mike Puma. That would indicate the two sides are about as far apart as possible one such a minor deal.
The Mets, Yankees, Braves and Phillies are among the teams who have been talking to Hairston, who made $1.1 million in 2012 while hitting a career-high 20 homers. Despite his success, many still view Hairston as a platoon player, which may limit his chances of getting a multi-year contract.
ESPN Insider Jim Bowden tweeted earlier in the week that Hairston could make his decision soon, but nothing has happened yet. Considering that Hairston still has options, there's a good chance he can leverage his situation into a two-year deal, but he needs one of the clubs to bite.
