SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. _ Sandy Alderson intends to sit down with the agents for Yoenis Cespedes before the end of the general managers' meetings on Thursday. It would be just the latest meeting in what is expected to be a series of conversations as the Mets step up their efforts to retain the free-agent slugger.
"I think it's just touch base, keep communicating," Alderson said on Wednesday. "They might learn something, we might learn something. But the important thing is to keep a line of communication open. The easiest way to do that is to have frequent conversations, periodic conversations."
Alderson said he has already met with representatives for free-agent second baseman Neil Walker, who has until Monday to decide whether he will accept the Mets' one-year qualifying offer of $17.2 million.
"Nothing asked, nothing offered," Alderson said of the meeting, which he deemed preliminary.
The Mets have not ruled out a multiyear deal with Walker, who hit .282 and tied a career high with 23 home runs before his season ended in early September when he underwent back surgery.
"We'll see," Alderson said. "Again, I can't forecast the direction it's going to take. We'll know more when we get closer to his deadline."
Of course, Walker may opt to accept the offer, an outcome that would also sit well for the Mets.
"Clubs may differ on this concept, but one-year deals for free agents at a slight premium might be a better idea than multi-year deals at less of a premium," Alderson said. "That's the way I look at it."
While Walker's situation plays out, the Mets hope to make progress with Cespedes, whose fate looms as the largest issue facing the Mets as they get into the teeth of the offseason.
Despite a price tag that could easily top $100 million, rival executives are forecasting a competitive market for Cespedes, who is regarded as one of the top free-agent bats available. The 31-year-old hit .280 with 31 homers and 86 RBIs in the middle of a lefty-heavy Mets lineup that badly needs his right-handed presence.
The Giants are believed to be one of several teams that could explore bringing in Cespedes, who could command a four- or five-year deal worth in the range of $25 million annually.
On Wednesday, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged the possibility of signing Cespedes.
"He's a nice bat in anybody's lineup, obviously a very impactful defender and a tremendous bat," Cashman said. "Some things might make more sense than others but we're going to get access to all the medicals on all the players and then as our trade discussions continue, it might open up some opportunities for us to pursue other avenues, but we'll see."
Cashman downplayed reports about seeking out Cespedes' agent, Brodie Van Wagenen, who is at the GM meetings.
"I don't know if reached out would be accurate, I think I passed him [on the property]," Cashman said. "I've run into most of the agents walking to and from the hotel lobby and stuff. So when I run into them, we have a brief chat, they exchange their information, I tell them who to send the medical key codes on and we go from there. So, Cespedes is one of the guys we've talked to, yeah."
Of course, it's generally early in the offseason cycle for teams to go beyond the exploratory stage, and the Yankees fit in that category.
Said Cashman: "I'm just collecting information right now."
The Mets find themselves in a similar place, not only in their pursuit of Cespedes and Walker, but also in their efforts to move in other directions in case one or both must be replaced.
Alderson said he has meetings scheduled with other agents, though he expects the talks to be "very preliminary."
Meanwhile, the trade market has yet to take shape, which may factor prominently in the Mets' offseason plans even if they retain Cespedes.
"It's still very early," Alderson said. "Everybody is here, but for the most part, all of these events are scheduled with activities so it's hard really to find breakout time even after hours."
