Mets showed interest in Joc Pederson ahead of Rangers’ $37 million deal

The Mets are exploring various options to improve their roster, and they were interested in Joc Pederson before he agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported Monday.

Pederson, 32, received a two-year, $37 million contract after coming off a breakout season with the Diamondbacks as designated hitter, according to multiple reports.

The left-hander, who has played primarily in the outfield in his career, hit 23 home runs with 64 RBIs, a .275 average and a .908 OPS in 132 games this year, with 407 of his 449 plate appearances coming against right-handed pitching.

In 2023 for the Giants, Pederson hit 15 home runs with 51 RBIs, a .235 average and a .764 OPS in 121 games.

The Mets, now approaching a billion-dollar offseason, completed a deal early Monday morning to bring back Sean Manaea on a three-year, $75 million contract. This could be their last significant rotation move after previously signing Frankie Montas (two years, $34 million) and Clay Holmes (three years, $38 million).

They still have questions about the roster after signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, most notably whether they will bring back Pete Alonso as their first baseman.

Their interest in Pederson suggests a desire for more left-handed power, even though the options are dwindling. The rival Phillies recently signed former Twin Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million contract.

The Mets could bring back Jesse Winker, who went 7 for 22 with one home run, four RBIs, three triples and seven walks in 10 playoff games in October.