TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees have offered ex-Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada a minor-league contract, a source told NJ Advance Media on Friday.



Another source confirmed the Yankees' interest in the 26-year-old shortstop, whom the Mets released Thursday.



The sources requested anonymity because they weren't permitted to speak publicly.

The Yankees could be looking at Tejada as an option for the club's final bench spot.

Manager Joe Girardi has said it's likely the job will go to a player who can back up third baseman Chase Headley. Tejada has played just 19 professional games at third base -- all in the majors -- but is considered a good athlete with a strong arm who could handle the position.

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With the Yankees, the Panama native would also provide coverage at shortstop, his natural position, and at second base, where he's played 118 games in the bigs. Currently, starting second baseman Starlin Castro is behind Didi Gregorius on the shortstop depth chart. Dustin Ackley is slated to backup Castro.

Rob Refsnyder has appeared to be the leader for the last bench spot. An outfielder-turned-second baseman, Refsnyder has looked solid in several cameos at third base this spring. The Yankees also like his line-drive bat from the right side.

Manager Joe Girardi has mentioned Pete Kozma, Jonathan Diaz, Ronald Torreyes and Donovan Solano as possible options, too.

Tejada hit .261 with three homers and 28 RBI in 116 games with the Mets last season. His campaign ended in the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers when Chase Utley's slide into second base broke his right leg.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.