NEW YORK (WFAN) -- New Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has reportedly made it clear that he's interested in free agent slugger Bryce Harper. But will owner Fred Wilpon sign off on the expected $300 million-plus contract?
The New York Post's Mike Puma reported Wednesday that the Mets are monitoring Harper's market but that there is skepticism within the industry that Wilpon will open up his checkbook for such a megadeal.
Harper, 26, hit .249 with 34 homers and 100 RBIs last season with the Washington Nationals. The outfielder is a six-time All-Star and was the National League MVP in 2015.
The Mets have been linked to many potential blockbuster moves this offseason, among them a possible trade for Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano.
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The Mariners are reportedly hoping to rid themselves of as much of the five years and $120 million remaining on Cano's contract as possible. Seattle has contacted teams, including the Mets and Yankees, to gauge their interest in the eight-time All-Star. More details of those talks are emerging.
According to the Post's Joel Sherman, the rebuilding Mariners are considering attaching closer Edwin Diaz to a Cano trade.
"How much of Cano’s unappetizing contract will a club devour will determine how much in prospects it would have to give up for Diaz ... ," Puma wrote. "Those not willing to take on Cano obviously would have to pay full price in prospects."
SNY's Andy Martino reported Tuesday that the Mets are being "aggressive" in their pursuit of the 36-year-old Cano. Puma reported Wednesday that industry sources consider the Mets a long shot because Van Wagenen is unlikely to part with the type of prospects needed to close the deal.
Cano, 36, was suspended for 80 games last season for PEDs. He hit .303 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 80 games.
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Diaz, 24, had a 1.96 ERA and an MLB-leading 57 saves last season.
Other players the Mets are expressing interest in include relief pitchers Zach Britton, Adam Ottavino, Andrew Miller and Jeurys Familia, starter Gio Gonzalez and catcher Martin Maldonado, Puma reported.
New York also is entertaining offers for starter Noah Syndergaard. The Padres, Red and Brewers are among the teams interested, according to the Post.