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MLB Hot Stove: Astros lineup with Jose Abreu, Cubs backup plan, Jacob deGrom rumors

By Mark Powell

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 3: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays during a baseball game at Tropicana Field on June 3, 2022 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 3: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays during a baseball game at Tropicana Field on June 3, 2022 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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Mets Jacob deGrom
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets in action against the San Diego Padres during game two of the NL Wild Card Series at Citi Field on October 08, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets defeated the Padres 7-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Jacob deGrom rumors: Mets stand out

As Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic pointed out in his Monday column, the Mets stand out as the undoubted favorite for their own ace, Jacob deGrom.

Early in the offseason, the Texas Rangers were gaining momentum on a contract for deGrom. However, the front office appears to have switched mindsets, instead trying to fill multiple roster holes with the money they would have to send to deGrom and his agency in any deal. Texas has a valid point there, as deGrom would cost over $40 million per season. Rather, the Rangers could sign the likes of Kodai Senga and Carlos Rodon with that kind of money.

Atlanta, also once thought the be a suitor for deGrom, bowed out of the race when they signed Charlie Morton. The Braves sole focus at the moment is on bringing back shortstop Dansby Swanson, or replacing him with another top player at the position on the free-agent market. Pitching is not their primary concern.

New York needs deGrom the most, and barring the emergence of a mystery team, Steve Cohen has the capital to get any deal done. Expect the two-time Cy Young winner to stay in Queens.

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