Report: Mets interested in Adam Jones

The New York Mets are reportedly interested in veteran free-agent outfielder Adam Jones, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Jones, one of several right-handed hitting outfield options the Mets are apparently considering, is in attendance at the winter meetings. Puma initially reported Wednesday that the sides met in Las Vegas, but later issued a correction and said they had not sat down together. He did, however, note that there's been "communication" between Jones and the Mets.

New York's outfield is currently full, so someone would likely have to be moved to clear space for Jones if he were to sign in Flushing. Both Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo have come up in rumors surrounding the team's pursuit of Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, and MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reported Wednesday that New York is shopping center fielder Juan Lagares.

Jones could provide manager Mickey Callaway with a solid veteran bat from the right side, along with leadership qualities on a club itching to return to the postseason. While his defense has declined significantly in center field, his natural position, Jones did spend time at both corner outfield positions last year and could rotate between all three spots.

The 33-year-old Jones just completed an 11-year run with the Baltimore Orioles where he took home four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger while appearing in five All-Star Games. He was a linchpin in the Orioles' return to relevance, helping them to three playoff appearances between 2012 and 2016.

Last year, Jones hit .281/.313/.419 (102 OPS+) with 15 homers and 63 RBIs over 145 games. He struggled to live up to his reputation as an elite defender, though, collecting minus-18 defensive runs saved in center field and minus-six as a right fielder.