Source: A’s target Dyson deal, but nothing imminent

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The A’s appear to be casting a wide net in their search for a center fielder, while also looking to add security at second base as they attempt to piece together a club that’s more than a season away from contending.

Less than 24 hours after arriving at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center for the Winter Meetings, A’s vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane told reporters in the club’s suite on Tuesday night, “I wouldn’t say anything’s imminent right now.”

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Beane and Co. continue to assess both trade and short-term free-agent options in their hunt for a center fielder, which remains their No. 1 priority. “We can’t be choosy,” Beane said, which points to a long list of possibilities that range in age and skill set.

It would make sense for the A’s to prioritize defense, a deficiency last season, and they’re also in need of a leadoff man; getting both in one player would be ideal, and Kansas City’s Jarrod Dyson fits this mold. Sources confirmed to MLB.com on Tuesday evening that the A’s are in on trade discussions for the speedy outfielder, but a deal wasn’t thought to be close.

Dyson would come relatively cheap, at a projected $2.5 million for 2017, and it was already clear after Beane’s media session that the club won’t be overpaying for an outfielder.

Beane said A’s majority owner John Fisher and his team “would be willing to move the payroll up this year,” but Beane cast reason to wait, believing it best the organization …

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