Mets Interested in Joyner but Haven’t Talked Salary

Following up on the interest they showed last week, the New York Mets contacted Wally Joyner’s agent Tuesday, the first day major league clubs were allowed to negotiate with free agents who played for other teams last season.

Barry Axelrod, one of Joyner’s representatives, said Met General Manager Al Harazin called to arrange additional talks aimed at discovering what it would take to persuade the Angel first baseman to move to New York.

“We didn’t really get into any numbers. We were sorting it out, a calendar situation, setting some meetings,” Axelrod said Tuesday from his office in Encinitas. “The Mets had called during the filing period and indicated they were quite interested in Wally. They asked whether Wally had a built-in preclusion about playing in New York and I asked him. He said it wouldn’t be his favorite place, but he said he and his family are adaptable. He said, ‘Don’t take them off the list.’ ”

Axelrod said he hadn’t spoken with the Angels Tuesday but was not unduly concerned.

“I think they’re approaching Wally much like I understand they’re approaching (Pittsburgh outfielder Bobby) Bonilla,” Axelrod said. “They know these guys have an opportunity to look around and they want to be there at the end. I can’t say that’s ineffective. It may work for them.

“Basically, they’re giving Wally his head and saying, ‘If you have to talk to other teams, go ahead and talk. We’ll talk to you later.’ ”

Michael Watkins, who also represents Joyner, said about six or eight teams had inquired about Joyner last week, when free agents could negotiate only with their previous clubs. Watkins said he expected talks to escalate next week, as teams prepare for the winter meetings in Florida.

Watkins also said Joyner wouldn’t rule out playing for the Mets. New York also is expected to pursue Bonilla, as are the Angels. But with the Pirate outfielder expected to command $5 million a year, the Mets might find Joyner a better bargain. Joyner, who hit .301 with 96 runs batted in last season, is expected to sign for about $4 million annually.

“Each person handles the pressure (of playing in New York) in different ways. Some get eaten up by it and some perform well. Wally has always performed well under pressure,” Watkins said.

Angel executives will meet next week in Anaheim with owners Gene and Jackie Autry to determine the club’s actions in the free-agent market.