Scott Hairston has become a mainstay as a utility player, but last season he played 134 games for the New York Mets.  It was the most games he's played in a single season in his career.  This speaks to his health last season and the Mets' injury problems.  They were not as deep in the outfield as they would have liked to be, so Hairston got more playing time than he otherwise may have.  Regardless, Hairston has performed well throughout his Major League career, and because of this the New York Yankees are interested.

Hairston is one of the Mets' many offseason targets, but they will have competition when trying to re-sign him.  The 32-year old outfielder is drawing interest from the Yankees.  According to Dan Martin of the New York Post, the Yankees have been talking to Hairston.  The Mets have so many players they are targeting for contract extensions, signing, and re-signings, it makes it difficult to focus on any one player.  But they will have to, because Hairston won't be available forever.


Hairston has played nine Major League seasons.  In his career, he has hit .247/.302/.449.  Last season, he had a better batting average, but his OBP dropped a bit.  He hit .263/.299/.504.  Hairston also hit 20 home runs last season - a career high.

If the Mets are to re-sign Hairston, they will have to give him a bit of a pay increase.  On the free agent market, Hairston is likely worth somewhere around $5 million per season.  He was not a superstar last season, but he provided New York with some serious value and pop.  Hairston made just $1.1 million in 2012.


Follow @mlbinjurynews