MLB Power Rankings: Top 10 free agents and where they’ll sign

6) MLB Power Rankings: Free agent Justin Verlander signs with the Mets

This is a preview of what’s to come later on. Justin Verlander will opt out of his deal with the Houston Astros and sign with the New York Mets. He’ll be reunited with Max Scherzer. Will it feel so good?

The Astros can definitely afford to pay Verlander, but a more logical step for them and their future could be to sign two lesser veteran arms. Maybe they even swap Verlander to ink Chris Bassitt and someone else of equal ability.

We already know the Mets will be incredibly aggressive in the offseason. There might not be a flashier move than signing Verlander for the rotation.

Of course, starting pitching was only a part of the reason why the Mets failed in the postseason. Verlander would give some short-term excitement to the team as they go “all-in” once more in 2023 with a deal nearing $40 million handed to Verlander.

5) MLB Power Rankings: Free agent Jacob deGrom signs with the Rangers

If you haven’t figured it out already, Verlander is the replacement for Jacob deGrom. The free agent Mets pitcher will opt out of his contract and sign with the Texas Rangers. He’ll have his own co-ace on the staff with Clayton Kershaw, another big-name free agent joining the Rangers as well.

deGrom to the Rangers is an easy connection to make. The Rangers made several big offseason signings last offseason, but they didn’t have quite enough from their starting staff.

deGrom and Kershaw would both have a questionable ability to stay on the field, as each player missed a good portion of 2022. However, if paired together, the Rangers would be able to survive much more easily.

The offense in Texas was pretty good this past year. What’s missing is an arm like deGrom to shut down the opponent on the days when they aren’t doing so well.