Mets Free Agency: Mets interested in Michael Morse

The Mets have interest in free agent outfielder Michael Morse, according to a report by Mike Puma. The right-handed-batting, 32-year-old Morse has spent time in Seattle, Washington, and San Francisco, where he has put up substantial offensive numbers. Morse was not given a qualifying offer, and therefore wouldn't require the Mets to give up a draft pick to sign him. Puma says that the Mets are interested in a one-year deal, but with the thin market, they might have to give Morse two years.

Morse's health has been a concern over the past few years, and he has missed time to injury in each of the past three seasons. When he is healthy, however, he has been a very good offensive player. Last season with the Giants, Morse hit .279/.336/.475 with a 133 wRC+ and 16 home runs. For his career, Morse has hit .281/.335/.473 with a 122 wRC+ and 99 home runs. His best offensive year came in 2011 with the Nationals, when he appeared in 146 games and hit .303/.360/.550 with a 148 wRC+ and 31 home runs

Despite Morse's excellent offense, his defense and baserunning have been poor. In 1692.2 career innings in left field, Morse has posted a -20.7 UZR/150. Last season with the Giants, he posted a -25.4 UZR/150 in 579 innings. Morse has, however, seen time in left field and right field, and he was given 39 starts at first base last season. He could be seen as a part-time platoon partner for Lucas Duda, who struggled against left-handed pitching last season.