Mets should pursue outfield, shortstop in free agency

The time has come. After years of meticulously trimming payroll and skimping on signing anyone not named David Wright to a big-time contract, the Mets are ready to spend to make the team better. Judging by the 2013 results, it's about time.

It's not all bad for the Mets. They have a franchise third baseman (Wright), a young catcher they're committed to (Travis d'Arnaud) and plenty of team-controlled starting pitchers (Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jon Niese, Dillon Gee). If closer Bobby Parnell can return healthy in 2014 after a neck injury ended a solid season, all the better.

The rest of the team is a mess, to varying degrees. Enigmatic first baseman Ike Davis is arbitration eligible and likely to stick around, but another year like 2013 could be his last in Queens. Second baseman Daniel Murphy should be back, too. Shortstop is a mess, with neither Ruben Tejada nor Omar Quintanilla looking like the long-term solution and both up for arbitration.

And then there's the outfield. Midseason acquisition Eric Young Jr. was a steal -- the same statistic in which he led the National League -- and could be the solution in left field going forward. But Lucas Duda is probably better suited at first base, and Juan Lagares had flashes of brilliance but doesn't have enough pop in his bat to truly help the team.

So what does Mets general manager Sandy Alderson do with this new freedom to spend? Clearly, the priorities should be to upgrade in center and right fields, and look into alternatives at shortstop.

With those positions in mind, here are some hitters the Mets should pursue, with the best fits first:

SHIN-SOO CHOO(Reds, CF)

2013 stats: .285, 21 HRs, 54 RBIs, 20 SBs in 154 games

Opening Day 2014 age: 31

Choo isn't flashy, but the man can play. His .423 on-base percentage -- ranked second in the NL -- as a leadoff hitter would come in handy for a team that often struggled to set the table during the season. He and Young would form a potent 1-2 punch at the top of the order, and he's versatile enough to play anywhere in the outfield. He's worth a four-year commitment at about $60 million-$65 million.

NELSON CRUZ(Rangers, RF)

2013 stats: .266, 27 HRs, 76 RBIs in 109 games

Opening Day 2014 age: 33

Originally signed to the Mets' farm system in 1998, Cruz is the most powerful option the team could add to the outfield. Although his 50-game ban relating to the Biogenesis scandal cut a career year short, he'd be a worthwhile addition if he would take a three- or four-year deal in the $12 million- to $14 million-per-year range.

STEPHEN DREW(Red Sox, SS)

2013 stats: .253, 13 HRs, 67 RBIs in 124 games

Opening Day 2014 age: 31

If the Mets want to splurge on shortstop, Drew is the guy. When healthy, Drew is a quality hitter who won't ruin a team defensively. A three-year contract seems reasonable, but the Mets shouldn't break the bank on the position just because it misses out on the top outfield targets.

JHONNY

PERALTA

(Tigers, SS/OF)

2013 stats: .303, 11 HRs, 55 RBIs in 107 games

Opening Day 2014 age: 31

Like Cruz, Peralta was embroiled in the Biogenesis shenanigans. Unlike Cruz, Peralta is younger and more versatile. He might even be cheaper. He's almost certain to be on the move this offseason, but the Mets might be leery of offering him more than a one- or two-year deal.

CURTIS

GRANDERSON

(Yankees, OF)

2013 stats: .229, 7 HRs, 15 RBIs, 8 SBs in 61 games

Opening Day 2014 age: 33

It's possible that Granderson stays in the Bronx, but he'll have a better chance to play his preferred center field if he moves to a different borough. Granderson is a riskier move. The Mets have enough power hitters with low batting averages, but at least Grandy has speed and good defense. Anything more than three years would be risky, though.

JACOBY

ELLSBURY

(Red Sox, CF)

2013 stats: .298, 9 HRs, 53 RBIs, 52 SBs in 134 games

Opening Day 2014 age: 30

The youngest player in this bunch comes with a warning label that reads "fragile." Twice in the past four years, he's missed at least half the season, but he's one of baseball's speediest players. He might be good for 15 triples if he were to call Citi Field his home. Still, the risks may outweigh the benefits, especially since he's likely to get megabucks and plenty of years elsewhere.

CARLOS

BELTRAN(Cardinals, RF)

2013 stats: .296, 24 HRs, 84 RBIs in 145 games

Opening Day 2014 age: 36

Would Beltran even want to return to New York? Despite being one of the Mets' best outfielders ever, he was never embraced here. But he was welcomed warmly at the All-Star Game this summer, so perhaps it's all water under the bridge. In any case, Beltran still can help this team, and would be a cheaper option than the other big-name outfielders on the market.

COREY HART

(Brewers, RF/1B)

2013 stats: Missed season

Opening Day 2014 age: 32

Word is, Hart would take less money to remain in Milwaukee, but if the team decides it doesn't need a player whose knees prevented him from ever getting on the field, he would be a fine addition to the Mets. The two-time All-Star is a career .276 hitter who belted 30 homers a year ago, and could turn things around in Queens on the cheap.

DAVID MURPHY

(Rangers, LF)

2013 stats: .220, 13 HRs, 45 RBIs in 142 games

Opening Day 2014 age: 32

The Mets could corner the market on D. Murphys. Although primarily a left fielder, Murphy could shift to right if need be. Don't be fooled by his 2013 numbers; his career average of .275 should translate well to the NL. The real worry is that he's never played more than 147 games in any of his eight seasons. But, hey, he shouldn't cost too much.