New York Mets rumors of a Michael Bourn signing sure seem like a way to get the fan base excited for no reason. While Bourn appears like the perfect fit for the Mets outfield, according to a report from Tuesday (Jan. 29), "significant obstacles remain" for the team to agree to terms with him.
Primary among the concerns in signing Bourn is the fact that the Mets could lose the No. 11 pick in the draft as compensation. This is an issue in front of the league, as only the top 10 picks are protected and New York got bumped to No. 11 when the Pittsburgh Pirates were given another pick for failing to sign someone from the last draft.
If New York risks losing that pick, the franchise will likely turn to other options on the free agent market. This is despite what has been perceived as a lot of interest from the team in locking him up to a long-term contract. That might seem risky for an aging leadoff hitter, but maybe the Mets cannot be picky as they try to re-build that roster.
These New York Mets rumors reveal that the team is in a tough spot, but also that no move toward a Michael Bourn signing is likely to take place until the league rules on whether their pick is protected or not. That could allow a team like the Seattle Mariners to sneak in and sign Bourn to a shorter deal. If another suitor enters the situation, cost could become an issue for New York as well.
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