Report: A-Rod emerges as potential suitor to buy Mets

Alex Rodriguez has emerged as a potential suitor to buy the New York Mets, sources told Thornton McEnery of the New York Post.

The retired New York Yankees star is apparently "kicking the tires" on the idea of getting into an auction for the team, although his bid appears to be a long shot and would require a larger ownership group, sources told McEnery.

A-Rod's reported interest follows last week's news that billionaire hedge fund operator Steve Cohen informed Mets CEO Fred Wilpon and COO Jeff Wilpon that he was backing out of a potential bid to acquire 80% of the franchise.

Cohen reportedly has not fully given up on purchasing the team, but Rodriguez's interest could complicate matters.

A-Rod retired from playing in 2016 with more than $440 million in career earnings. He's currently a businessman and a baseball analyst who's engaged to pop star Jennifer Lopez.

"(Rodriguez) genuinely loves the Mets," a source said, according to McEnery. "He and J-Lo have talked about him buying a team ever since Jeter got the (Miami) Marlins."