Report: Mets interested in Panik if he clears waivers

The New York Mets have shown preliminary interest in second baseman Joe Panik, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post.

New York is apparently unlikely to make a waiver claim and would instead be looking to sign the 28-year-old if he clears waivers and is released by the San Francisco Giants on Friday.

When he was designated for assignment, Panik said he would decline an outright assignment to Triple-A if he cleared waivers in order to become a free agent.

An All-Star in 2015, Panik's had a difficult time in recent years. He's hit .245/.308/.325 with seven home runs in 205 games since the beginning of 2018.

Robinson Cano has been the Mets' primary second baseman this season, but he recently landed on the injured list with a torn hamstring and doesn't have a timetable for a return.

Adeiny Hechavarria filled in Wednesday, while Jeff McNeil has also spent time at the keystone in 2019.