Braves

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that the Rangers have not renewed their interest in free agent outfielder Michael Bourn.

And Sullivan hears that the Rangers aren’t expected to change their stance if Nelson Cruz is suspended, as they would likely go with Mitch Moreland or Mike Olt in the outfield. Bourn reportedly wants a five-year contract, but it’s hard to see who will be willing to give it to him.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that Mets general manager Sandy Alderson and assistant general manager John Ricco traveled to Houston last week to have dinner with free agent center fielder Michael Bourn and his agent, Scott Boras.

It was described as more of a “getting-to-know-you session” than a negotiation, but it shows that the Mets are seriously considering making a run at Bourn. Still, the Mets don’t want to give more than three years to a player who relies on his legs and will not sign him without “iron-clad assurances” they only have to surrender a second-round pick. Meanwhile, the commissioners office is against making an exception for the Mets this late in the offseason. The combination of factors makes an agreement between the two sides a long shot.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that free agent outfielder Michael Bourn wants a five-year contract.

Puma says the Mets “aren’t going there,” and neither is any other major league team. Bourn, because he’s tied to draft pick compensation, is going to have to lower his asking price to attract suitors. The 30-year-old outfielder batted .274/.348/.391 with nine homers, 57 RBI and 42 stolen bases in 155 games last season for the Braves.

MLB.com’s Richard Justice writes that the Mets have “zero interest” in Michael Bourn if it means losing their top draft pick.

The Mets aren’t close to being relevant in the NL East and would have to give up their first-round pick in order to sign Bourn, though the MLBPA could file a grievance that would allow their pick to be protected. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported earlier this week that eight different teams could be looking to make a late run at Bourn, including the Mariners, Rays, and Orioles. The Mariners are also tied to draft pick compensation at 12th overall.