Report: Mets Emerge as Serious Contenders For Jason Bay

A new suitor is in the hunt for Jason Bay.

According to NESN insider and ESPNBoston.com reporter Gordon Edes, the Mets have emerged as a serious contender in the sweepstakes to sign the prized free-agent left fielder.

As the Angels — another team believed to have high interest in Bay — have reportedly backed off in order to focus on "more pressing needs," a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told ESPN.com that Mets GM Omar Minaya is stepping up his efforts.

Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman tweeted that the Mets have offered Bay a four-year contract worth about $65 million, but he feels that they may have to add another year to get him to sign.

The Red Sox are certainly not out of contention for Bay, who hit 36 homers and drove in 119 runs in 2009, but reports indicate that they are also considering Matt Holliday to fill the hole in left if Bay signs elsewhere.