Jacob deGrom rumors: 3 biggest threats to the New York Mets

The Houston Astros also could be a threat to sign Jacob deGrom

Unlike the other two teams on our list, the Houston Astros have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. Their 3.03 starting pitcher ERA was third-best in baseball entering Sunday and their 8.0 WAR is second-best in the sport.

They have the money to be able to get Jacob deGrom and they could have the space in their starting rotation.

After the 2022 season, their ace Justin Verlander could choose to become a free agent himself. He has a 10-3 record with a 2.03 ERA in 15 starts in 2022 and as long as he has 130 innings pitched this season, he will have a $25 million player option.

Also, fellow starter Jake Odorizzi has a $7 million player option for 2023. He has been injured for part of the season (and he’s back on the injured list with an ankle injury) but he has had issues with Houston’s leadership in the past so he could decide to leave as well.

The Houston Astros already have a payroll that is slightly lower than it was for the last entirely normal regular season (the 2019 season) so even if they stay, the Astros might be able to afford deGrom. Especially if Verlander leaves, the Astros would immediately become one of a few favorites to land Jacob deGrom on the free agent market.