Jacob deGrom has made his decision and is signing with the Texas Rangers – and now theNew York Mets will need to move to plan B.
The deal is reportedly for five years $185 million and he will get a full no-trade clause.
In addition, there is also a six-year conditional option included in the two-time Cy Young winner’s deal, which would take the contract up to $222 million.
The New York Post reports that the Mets’ offer to deGrom was only three years at $120 million – so there was not much of a bidding war.
That would have been a similar deal that the Mets were able to land Max Scherzer with last year.
Now, it is time to move to plan B for the Mets.
Some pitching options the Mets have been rumored about in the offseason are pitchers Carlos Rodon and the big-name of Justin Verlander.
The New York Yankees have been interested in Verlander, but Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the organization is more focused on signing Carlos Rodon.
Heyman also reported that the Houston Astros have been unwilling to give a Verlander a third year.
The 39-year-old is looking for a total of $130 million.
Along with the Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgersare believed to be interested in Verlander as well.
Verlander in 28 games last year commanded a 1.75 earned runs against average (ERA) and 185 strikeouts.
Verlander’s pedigree includes three Cy Young awards, one MVP and multiple World Series titles.
Of course, when signing players like Verlander there is always a concern about how much longer they will be able to sustain elite play for.
Also, another starting pitcher free agent for the Mets is Chris Bassitt.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mets are “hoping” for him to come back next year.
Bassitt had a 3.42 ERA with the team last year.
