Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com writes that Jerry Hairston Jr. could be a fit with the Mets.

It's not clear if the Mets have actually expressed interest in Hairston, but he would make sense in a utility role with any number of clubs. Hairston, who turns 35 next May, batted .244/.299/.353 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI before being shut down in September due to a fractured right tibia. He is expected to be ready for spring training.

Padres GM Jed Hoyer would like to bring back Jerry Hairston Jr. next season.

"We have needs at shortstop, second base and utility," Hoyer said. "He could fill any one of the three. We would like to have him back in the role we had him in last year." Hairston will meet with team physician Heinz Hoenecke in San Diego Friday to get his fractured right tibia examined and hopes to start running again soon.

Jerry Hairston Jr., who was shut down for the rest of the season due to a fractured right tibia, said he would like to return the Padres next season.

"I really enjoyed my time here," said Hairston. "It's a great organization and also a great group of guys. If they would have me back, I would love that opportunity." Hairston was a bargain for the Padres at $2.125 million this season, batting .244 with 10 homers, 50 RBI and nine RBI while playing all over the diamond. He turns 35 years old next May.

Jerry Hairston Jr. has been diagnosed with a fractured right tibia and has been shut down for the rest of the season.

Yet another blow for the Padres. Hairston actually played on the fracture for two months, thinking it was only shin splints. That may explain the .240/.301/.413 batting line that he posted in August and the 1-for-13 showing that he's put forth in September. He should be fine by 2011.