MLB Insider: What should the Mets do next after signing Justin Verlander?

Immediately after Jacob deGrom signed with the Texas Rangers, the immediate follow-up question was how would the New York Mets respond? Justin Verlander helps matters.

Among elite free-agent starting pitchers, the Mets had two options: Justin Verlander and Carlos Rodon. The prevailing thought in league circles was that the Mets would prefer Verlander, mainly because of years. While Verlander sought a short-term contract in the 2-3 year range, Rodon could get as many as six years.

And that’s exactly what happened, as Verlander and the Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $86 million contract that includes a player vesting option for a third season, league sources tell FanSided.

Verlander is a significant addition and there’s an argument to be made that he is a safer bet than deGrom, considering that Verlander has been more durable throughout his career. But the Mets are far from done.

Mets remain active after Justin Verlander signing

New York remains active in the starting pitching market, according to sources, though free-agent left-hander Carlos Rodon is likely out of the picture. But a second-tier starter, perhaps Chris Bassitt or Jameson Taillon, are logical candidates that the team has expressed interest in this winter.

Then there’s the center field position. Brandon Nimmo is currently a free agent and the consensus top center fielder on the open market. His market is robust and the expectation is that he signs a contract in excess of $100 million. The Mets, who have interest in retaining Nimmo, have begun talking to outside options, as Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the team has shown interest in Andrew Benintendi.

Both positions are a priority for the Mets. But their biggest priority was to add a frontline starting pitcher. On Monday morning, just hours into the Winter Meetings, they struck with the best starter on the market — and owner Steve Cohen and general manager Billy Eppler surely are not done.