Teoscar Hernandez returned to the Dodgers this week, but not without a show of interest from the Mets.
In an effort to add another bat, Mets brass broached the idea to the veteran slugger’s camp of a two-year contract, according to league sources, aware that Hernandez was seeking a three-year deal.
It appears that an offer wasn’t officially extended to Hernandez by the Mets, but he was told to circle back if his negotiations with the Dodgers fell apart.
Hernandez received a three-year deal worth $66 million from the Dodgers.
The Mets last week were also in on Joc Pederson, according to sources, before he agreed to a two-year contract worth $37 million with the Rangers.
It’s likely that Hernandez and Pederson were considered by the Mets for a DH role — J.D. Martinez and Jesse Winker, who shared those duties in the second half of last season, are both free agents.
As it stands, the Mets have Starling Marte as a DH possibility, but it’s possible the veteran outfielder could be traded following Juan Soto’s arrival to play right field.
Marte has one year remaining on his contract at $20.75 million.
The Post’s Jon Heyman reported on Thursday that there’s a sizable gap in talks between the Mets and Pete Alonso, who is seeking a long-term contract in free agency.
If Alonso doesn’t return, the Mets will have to decide in which direction to pivot, with it possible Mark Vientos would shift from third base to first base, creating an opening at third.