Jacob deGrom rumors: Latest report suggests good news for Mets

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Jacob deGrom could very well return to the Mets in MLB Free Agency.

New York has prioritized the free-agent ace Jacob deGrom, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

In Monday’s report, deGrom was cited as a top priority for Steve Cohen and Co., while the Texas Rangers, once deemed a serious threat to sign the right-hander, seem more likely to ink Carlos Rodon and/or Kodai Senga. A team with as many holes as Texas has could use the money they’d spend on the likes of deGrom or Justin Verlander and sign several key contributors, rather than using it all on one star.

The Mets are far closer to World Series contention, and losing deGrom would be a major hit to their chances.

Mets cannot afford to lose Jacob deGrom

Ken Rosenthal does pose a warning to baseball fans in Queens, however, in regards to the Mets and Jacob deGrom. While New York is favored, do not assume the race is over:

"“Barring a surprise, maybe no team beats out the Mets for deGrom. But just as it’s unwise to assume the Giants and Yankees are the only teams competing for free-agent outfielder Aaron Judge, it’s almost certainly a mistake to assume the Mets are bidding against themselves,” Rosenthal wrote (subscription required)."

Were deGrom to sign elsewhere, like Texas, New York would have to act quickly to replace him. It’s why they’ve already met with Justin Verlander, and also have interest in Carlos Rodon and Kodai Senga.

But, the Rangers appear on the outs with deGrom, as they’d rather invest in more than one key player this offseason. The Braves haven’t entered the conversation in quite some time, as their focus is turned towards the shortstop position, and keeping Dansby Swanson in Atlanta.