2/18 09:15: According to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated, Barajas is likely to accept the Met’s offer for $1 million on a Minor League deal, but the Texas Rangers have offered Barajas as well. However, given that Barajas is the likely favorite to start in New York, the Mets have the edge.

2/17 14:52: According to Brian Costa of The Star-Ledger, a Met’s official is downplaying a report that the team is interested in Rod Barajas.

If the Mets choose to add a more experienced catcher, veterans Paul Bako and Jose Molina are available.

2/17 10:09: Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated that the offer for Barajas is low money Minor League deal.

2/16 23:11 Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the New York Mets are making “a hard push” for free-agent catcher Rod Barajas. Rosenthal’s sources say that the team is negotiating a one-year deal.

The Mets currently have a surplus of catcher with Omir Santos, Henry Blanco, Chris Coste, Shawn Riggans and Josh Thole on the roster. It was believed that the Mets were going to let them all battle it out in Spring Training for playing time. If they sign Barajas, he will likely get the bulk of the playing time.

The Mets were working hard this winter to sign Bengie Molina and Yorvit Torrealba, but neither deal worked out.

Barajas hit .226 with 19 home runs and 71 RBIs with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009. You can Barajas his contract history and statistics here.