Jacob deGrom rumors: 5 free agent destinations to make the Mets pay

5 free agency destinations for Jacob deGrom: Miami Marlins

This is the “fun” pick. The other clubs mentioned seem to always get what they want. What about the Miami Marlins? It might not be as foolish as it seems.

First, it would take the Marlins to have a willingness to even spend big money in free agency. Could it happen? Yes. Is it likely? Probably not. But you never know. It took ownership change for the Mets for things to change.

Secondly, Jacob deGrom would probably welcome going back to his home state of Florida. The Tampa Bay Rays could make sense if this was the only interest he had. They, however, feel even less likely to become big spenders. At least the Marlins have done it before.

deGrom ending up in Miami would keep him in the National League East. The move would rival when Zack Greinke left the Dodgers for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Or when Madison Bumgarner left the San Francisco Giants for the Diamondbacks, too. Heroes sometimes do stay within the division and end up signing with a team that turns them invisible.

The other two division rivals of the Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals, are probably less likely to agree to a deal with deGrom. Philadelphia is already paying former Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler a lot of money. They have far greater needs. The same is true for the Nationals. They need to go into full rebuild mode and stop fielding a bad team with discount players.

deGrom signing just about anywhere else would make the Mets pay. The front office better hope Steve Cohen’s wallet is wide open and Jacob deGrom’s agent is reasonable.