Teoscar Hernandez returned to the Dodgers this week, but not without interest from the Mets.
Mets leaders knew Hernandez was seeking a three-year deal and brought the idea of a two-year deal to the veteran slugger's camp to add another bat, according to league sources.
It appears that the Mets have not made an official offer to Hernandez, but they have reportedly told him to return if negotiations with the Dodgers fall through.
Hernandez signed a three-year contract worth $66 million from the Dodgers.
Sources said the Mets were also involved in acquiring Joc Pederson before he agreed to a two-year contract worth $37 million with the Rangers last week.
Perhaps the Mets were considering Hernandez and Pederson for the DH role — J.D. Martinez and Jesse Winker, who shared the DH role late last season, are both free agents.
The Mets currently have Starling Marte as a possible DH, but with the addition of Juan Soto in right field, the veteran outfielder could be traded.
Marte has one year left on his contract for $20.75 million.
The Times' reporter Jon Heyman reported Thursday that there is a significant gap in negotiations between the Mets and free agent Pete Alonso, who is seeking a long-term contract.
If Alonso doesn't return, the Mets will have to decide in which direction to pivot, and Mark Vientos could shift from third base to first base to create an opening at third base.
