Report: Mets looking at J.D. Martinez as backup option to Cespedes

The New York Mets' No. 1 priority during the offseason remains trying to re-sign free-agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, but with interest in the slugger intensifying, they're looking into fallback options.

Sources told Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball the Mets are showing interest in Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez, whose name has frequented the offseason rumor mill.

Tigers general manager Al Avila stated in early November that his team's goals were to shed payroll and get better next season, and moving Martinez's $11.75-million contract could be a start.

Martinez, who's been one of the game's most consistent power-hitting outfielders over the past three seasons, hasn't engaged in long-term contract talks with the Tigers' front office despite his great performance, which could signal the end of his tenure in the Motor City.

The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of 2017, and was reportedly discussed in a trade involving the San Francisco Giants two weeks ago.