The Mets are clearly down on Angel Pagan. But the organization plans to tender the arbitration-eligible outfielder a contract rather than cut him loose at the Dec. 12 deadline, SI.com reported.

Pagan earned $3.5 million this past season, so his salary could be $4.5 million or more in 2012 assuming he returns.

That means the Mets likely will shop him before the non-tender deadline. And, while the report stated the Mets plan to tender Pagan a contract otherwise, that conceivably could be posturing so that the Mets don't lose all leverage in pursuing a trade.