The Mets understand they’d need to land an ace to replace deGrom, and only Verlander and Rodon, whose stock has risen dramatically, fit that bill on the free-agent market.
Verlander, who declined an offer from the Yankees last year to return to Houston, where he won his second World Series, seems to be the Mets’ top choice following deGrom’s decision to go to the Rangers for $185 million and five years, a deal the Mets didn’t come close to touching. Mets owner Steve Cohen is thought to be intrigued by the possible reunion of Verlander and his own ace pitcher Max Scherzer from their Detroit days. At this point, there aren’t many other choices, anyway.
Some still see the Dodgers as an even likelier destination, possibly since Verlander and his actress/model wife Kate Upton have a home in Los Angeles.The pitching-strong Astros, meantime, don’t seem inclined to go big to bring back Verlander and are concentrating on catcher and a corner outfielder. Rodon remains in play for the Mets and Dodgers, though at least at the moment, the Yankees are the big-market team most focused on the 30-year-old who is expected to command a longer deal but at somewhat lower dollars. Word is he was seeking six years at more than $30 million following his big season in San Francisco. The Rangers are still lurking for Rodon, and the Orioles are among others interested.
Folks wouldn’t be surprised if the Judge call came at these winter meetings. The Yankees and Giants are both talking to several other stars and are readying to pivot in case Judge goes the other way. The Yankees have the payroll to sign a star starter along with Judge but are presumably talking to the four star shortstops in case the unthinkable happens and Judge leaves. The Giants also are in on the shortstops.
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