The New York Mets are known to covet free agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, but they may not be willing to meet his financial demands, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Shin-Soo Choo rumors: Mets may not be able to afford OF
Choo is looking for a big contract this offseason, something the Mets may not be willing to dish out.
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At least one Mets official says the team believes Robinson Cano is the only player on the market worth a deal over $100 million. Choo is known to be seeking a deal similar to Jayson Werth's seven year, $127 million contract with the Washington Nationals. Choo is also represented by Scott Boras, who is notorious for squeezing out contracts as large as possible for his clients.
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Choo, 31, is one of the best free agents on the market this year. He is the rare player who can do just about everything well, as he plays above-average defense in the corner outfield, will slug around 20 home runs and gets on base at a high rate. He posted a career-high .423 OBP with the Reds in 2013 and has a career .854 OPS.
The Mets could certainly use such a player. The team has little power -- Marlon Byrd was the only Met with 20 HR in 2013, and he was traded to the Pirates mid-season. Star third baseman David Wright is their only player who can get on base at a decent rate.
If New York is unable to sign Choo, it may turn its attention to cheaper options. The Mets inquired about Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Norichika Aoki at the trade deadline and rumor has it they could look that way again.
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