The Mets are said to be all over the depth starting pitcher market, SNY's Andy Martino reported Wednesday.
Martino reported earlier Wednesday that discussions continue between the Mets and free agent right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta, though there was no indication a deal is close
The Mets also have "some interest" in free agent left-hander James Paxton.
Per Martino, the Mets could sign more than one of the remaining starting pitching free agents.
Paxton, whose medicals would need a very close look, will cost more than Arrieta.
New York is in search of additional rotation depth to add to a group that includes Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Marcus Stroman, David Peterson, and Joey Lucchesi.
Arrieta, 34, is coming off back-to-back down years with the Philadelphia Phillies.
He has posted a 4.75 ERA (4.83 FIP) and 1.48 WHIP while allowing 200 hits in 180 innings for the Phillies between 2019 and 2020.
Paxton, 32, was limited to just 20.1 innings for the Yankees in 2020 due to a left forearm injury. When he was in action, Paxton struggled, with a 6.64 ERA (4.37 FIP).
But Paxton has had a sub-4.00 ERA in every other one of his big league seasons, and has legitimate top-of-the-rotation potential when on the mound.
The Mets, who have added depth pieces to their bench in recent days by agreeing to deals with outfielder Albert Almora Jr. and utility player Jonathan Villar, have roughly $26 million to play with before reaching the $210 million luxury tax threshold for the 2021 season.