Spring training is right around the corner and, shockingly, free agent Michael Bourn still hasn’t signed on with a new club.
The latest team to show interest in the speedy outfielder is the New York Mets, according to The Star-Ledger. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said there is “ongoing discussion” with Bourn.
Since Bourn’s former team, the Atlanta Braves, sent Bourn a qualifying offer, any team that signs the outfielder will have to give up a first-round pick — unless that pick is in the Top 10. This is a complicated matter for the Mets since they finished as a bottom-10 team, but the Pirates were given the No. 9 pick because they were unable to sign their 2012 first rounder. The Mets hold the No. 11 pick in the draft.
Alderson said the team would try to appeal the rule, but only once they have a deal with Bourn.
“If any change is necessary it would be a change in interpretation, but not a rule change itself,” Alderson said. “This issue hasn’t come up until now obviously because the fact that it only pertains to us this season; it will pertain to other clubs in future seasons.”
Bourn was an NL All-Star last season. The 30-year-old hit .274 with a .739 OPS and 42 stolen bases. He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner.
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