The Rays would like to bring back free-agent 1B-OF Steve Pearce, who they traded to the Orioles last summer, according to their local beat reporter Marc Topkin.
Last week, Mets GM Sandy Alderson mentioned Pearce and free-agent OF Jose Bautista as the type of players he might pursue if the Mets are unable to re-sign Yoenis Cespedes >> Read more.
The Mets were short on righty bats last season - both on the field and on the bench - and Pearce would offer Alderson a different look and the opportunity to spell one of their left-handed starters - specifically Michael Conforto, who has struggled significantly in limited exposure to lefty pitching, and at first base in place of Lucas Duda.