The unthinkable has happened for the New York Mets.
The Mets were still considered the favorites to retain Jacob deGrom as recently as Thursday. It had been thought that he would collect offers and then return to New York, giving the Mets the chance to match any deal he was offered. Those thoughts went out the window just one day later as deGrom signed a massive deal with the Texas Rangers.
Three pitching targets for New York Mets
It is virtually impossible to replace deGrom. He is one of the few true aces left in baseball, a dominant force when he is healthy. And yet, that is what the Mets are facing as they now need to find another top of the rotation arm to pair with Max Scherzer. While that could be easier said than done, one has to imagine that Steve Cohen is not going to let his checkbook sit idly by now.
The New York Mets need to find someone to replace Jacob deGrom. Let’s take a look at three options they could pursue.
Justin Verlander
The idea that Justin Verlander would leave the Astros had seemed unrealistic. But that may not be the case any longer.
It all comes down to money. Verlander is reportedly looking for a similar deal to what Scherzer had signed with the Mets – a three year deal worth $130 million. That is more than the Astros are believed to want to spend as they are no longer the favorites to sign him this offseason.
Enter the Mets. They were already listed as one of the favorites to land Verlander even before deGrom signed elsewhere. If there is anyone available in free agency that could replace deGrom’s production, he would be the pitcher.
Verlander is not showing any signs of slowing down. Although he will be 40 years old next season, he is coming off one of the best performances in his career, posting a major league best 1.75 ERA and a 0.829 WHiP in his 175 innings, striking out 185 batters with 29 walks. Replacing deGrom would be a tall order, but he could be the player to do just that.
The New York Mets need another ace in their rotation. Justin Verlander would be a perfect fit.