The New York Mets are reeling after losing their ace, Jacob DeGrom, to the Texas Rangers in free agency.
But, they have no time to feel sorry for themselves.
There are still a few aces available that can replace deGrom if the Mets so choose.
New York must be aggressive in the pitching market during free agency.
Here are two starters the Mets should pursue to replace deGrom.
Justin Verlander
So the Mets lose a two-time Cy Young winner in Degrom, but another one is still available to be signed.
That is Justin Verlander who is coming off his third Cy Young award in 2022.
Despite entering his age 40 season, Verlander still has plenty of innings left in his arm.
Justin Verlander is now ‘front and center’ for Mets, per @martinonyc pic.twitter.com/nZ9lWCZe2x
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) December 3, 2022
His 2022 season was historic, posting a 1.75 ERA and leading the Houston Astros to the World Series title.
Mets fans are not happy with the departure of deGrom.
So adding another ace seems like a must for a team that won over 100 games last season.
Verlander has been one of the most reliable starting pitchers in baseball throughout his career, and the Mets could use an innings hog.
The right-hander has to be someone the Mets discuss signing.
Carlos Rodon
If the Mets do not get another elite pitcher to pair with Max Scherzer, their fans will be in an uproar.
Losing deGrom was never supposed to happen for the Mets.
But, after Verlander, there is another ace available.
That is left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon.
Last season in San Francisco, Rodon threw 178.0 innings with a 2.88 ERA and finished sixth in NL Cy Young voting.
The Mets are meeting with Carlos Rodon today, per @Joelsherman1 pic.twitter.com/v8PSRw4HXL
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) November 29, 2022
After losing deGrom and with Chris Bassitt as a free agent, starting pitching is a massive need for the Mets.
They are on the clock to go land another ace.
