Joe Panik’s homecoming might be extended.
There is mutual interest between the infielder and the Yankees, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed on Thursday, though a deal between the two sides is not close at the moment.
The Mets claimed Panik off waivers from the Giants in August to fill in for an injured Robinson Cano. Panik, who played for St. John’s and grew up in Dutchess County, hit .277 in 34 games for the Mets as the team tried to make a run at the NL wild card.
Panik, 29, would give the Yankees a lefty bat who could fill in at second base in an evolving Yankees infield. Gleyber Torres is moving from second base to shortstop with Didi Gregorius leaving for the Phillies this offseason. DJ LeMahieu is penciled in as the starting second baseman, but he can be used in various positions around the infield. The Yankees lack lefty bats: Brett Gardner and Mike Tauchman are the only two who are currently projected to make the Opening Day 26-man roster.
Panik was an All-Star in 2015, but slumped badly the past two seasons, leading to the Giants moving on. He posted a .249/.311/.334 slash line in a combined 244 games in 2018 and 2019.