The day after Jacob deGrom spurned the Mets in favor of a five-year contract for the Texas Rangers, New York continued its dialogue with free agent starter Justin Verlander, according to league sources. Verlander was said to be doing his diligence on the Mets organization as well.
Given the level of work on both sides, folks involved believe that Verlander will choose his next team sooner than later. Sources see the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers as the Mets' primary competition. After Verlander turned down the Yankees last winter, the team believed he did not want to play in New York.
The Mets are also talking to free agent Carlos Rodon, in addition to several mid-rotation starters. GM Billy Eppler is active on the trade front, too.
The Mets made a serious run at free agent starter Jameson Taillon late last week, hoping to close a deal, per sources. Taillon’s market is broad; it’s easy to see another team offering more than the Mets, whose top priority is Verlander.