Mets Like Michael Bourn; Working To Keep Top Pick

12:15pm: The MLBPA would support the Mets if they asked MLB for an exception, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (Twitter links). The Mets could argue that they 'earned' a top ten pick by finishing with one of the bottom ten records in MLB, and that they should only give up a second round pick for signing a free agent such as Bourn.

11:29am: The Mets have sincere intrerest in Bourn, Rosenthal reports (on Twitter). If they were to sign him, the deal would likely be backloaded.

10:46am: The Mets like Michael Bourn, but their interest in the free agent outfielder has been limited by draft pick compensation rules, according to John Harper of the New York Daily News (all Twitter links). Any team that signs Bourn will have to surrender a draft pick, since the Scott Boras client declined the Braves’ qualifying offer earlier in the offseason.

The Mets would have to surrender their first round draft pick to sign Bourn, and they prefer to keep the 11th overall selection. This prompted Mets people to seek a ruling from MLB that would allow them to keep their top pick and surrender a second round choice instead, Harper reports. Though there doesn't appear to be a final ruling yet, so far it seems unlikely that the Mets would be granted an exception. Even if MLB does allow a change in this instance, Bourn's price would have to fall for the Mets to complete a deal, Harper writes.

The Mets have “kicked around” the idea of signing Bourn, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports confirms (links go to Twitter). However, one person familiar with the Mets doubts the team will meet Boras’ asking price. Rosenthal notes that the MLBPA could challenge on Bourn’s behalf to obtain an exception and ensure the Mets’ interest isn’t limited by the possibility of surrendering a top pick.

Ideally the Mets would “love” to add Bourn and one or two relievers to round out the team, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports (on Twitter). The club is more likely to spend for one high ceiling reliever than two mediocre ones, according to Puma.

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reported yesterday that it's too early to rule the Mets out on Bourn. GM Sandy Alderson told Andy McCullough of the Star Ledger earlier this month that he had strong reservations about surrendering his top draft choice.