The Mets are examining different ways to improve their lineup, and they were interested in Joc Pederson before he struck a deal with the Texas Rangers, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported Monday.
Pederson, 32, received a two-year, $37 million contract, per multiple reports, after a bounce-back season with the Diamondbacks as their designated hitters.
The left-handed hitter, who has mostly played the outfield in his career, hit 23 home runs with 64 RBIs, a .275 average and .908 OPS in 132 games this year, with 407 of his 449 plate appearances coming against right-handed pitching.
In 2023 for the Giants, Pederson hit 15 home runs with 51 RBIs, a .235 average and .764 OPS in 121 games.
The Mets, now approaching a billion-dollar offseason, struck a deal to bring back Sean Manaea early Monday morning on a three-year, $75 million contract, which could be their final significant rotation move after previously signing Frankie Montas (two years, $34 million) and Clay Holmes (three years, $38 million.)
They still have lineup questions after adding Juan Soto on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, mainly whether they will bring back Pete Alonso to be their first baseman.
Their interest in Pederson suggests a desire for more left-handed power, though options are dwindling. The rival Phillies recently added ex-Twin Max Kepler on a one-year, $10 million contract.
The Mets could bring back Jesse Winker, who went 7-for-22 with a homer, four RBIs, three triples and seven walks in 10 playoff appearances in October.
