Report: Mets have inquired about Bautista

Though the New York Mets are interested in re-signing Yoenis Cespedes, the club is reportedly considering other big-name options to fill their corner outfield, too, in the event they're unable to bring back the 31-year-old Cuban.

Despite not being able to sign him until 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, the Mets have already inquired about veteran right fielder Jose Bautista, the longtime Toronto Blue Jays star set to hit free agency for the first time in his 13-year career, reports James Wagner of the New York Times.

Bautista, who's widely expected to turn down the one-year, $17.2-million qualifying offer he received from Toronto on Monday, is coming off a frustrating season in which he suffered two stints on the disabled list and posted his lowest OPS (.817) since 2009. Still, the six-time All-Star finished eighth in American League MVP voting as recently as 2015, and averaged 38 homers per year while hitting .268/.390/.555 (156 OPS+) in the six seasons leading up to 2016.

At this point, however, the Mets' level of interest in Bautista is unclear, as is their potential lineup configuration should they work out a deal with the 36-year-old; the Mets already have three outfielders seemingly poised to play everyday in 2017 between Curtis Granderson, Jay Bruce, and Michael Conforto, and Bautista has played three innings at first base since the start of 2015.

Back in May, Bautista expressed his desire to stay in Toronto, saying it'd "be stupid to leave," but noted that he would consider all the opportunities presented to him.

"I will explore every single option, whether it happens or not with the new regime, to continue to try to stay here," Bautista said.