Jacob deGrom Rumors: Rangers May Pursue Mets Star If He Tests Free Agency

Jacob deGrom may be pursued by the Texas Rangers if he declines his player option and becomes a free agent in the fall of 2019.

The New York Post's Jon Heyman gave the news.

Word is that the Rangers may go for Jacob deGrom. While there aren't a lot of teams ready to take a $40 million gamble, the Rangers might because of how MLB's best pitcher is throwing better than ever off his 13 month layoff.

Chris Young wouldn't address any specific pitching targets but said they will leave no stone unturned in their search to upgrade pitching a year after they significantly upgraded offense.

Over the course of nine starts this season, DeGrom has a 5-2 record with a 2.32 earned run average, a 0.61 WHIP and 86 strikeouts. He didn't play in the first half of the season because of a stress reaction.

deGrom has gone 37-23 with a 1.97 earned run average, a 0.86 WHIP and a 12.2 K/9 rate since the beginning of the year.

In spring training, DeGrom told reporters that he would opt out of his contract and become a free agent. He said that he wanted to stay with the Mets for a long time.

There won't be a lot of interest in the ace. The state of Texas spent $500 million on middle infielders Marcus Semien andCorey Seager.

The Rangers' pitching staff is fourth highest in the league. They need more help in the rotation and the relief corps, and deGrom could go a long way towards that.

Steve Cohen isn't afraid to spend money as well. The New York Yankees have the second highest payroll in baseball.

Heyman noted that Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets, told The Post he wanted to keep deGrom. Heyman wrote that some think deGrom will be the first $50 million player.

The team has been able to stay in first place in the National League East because of Cohen's large contracts.

Cohen should keep deGrom around as the Mets aim to create a sustained run of playoff success. The Rangers and other teams will be in pursuit, but the Mets have a lot of money to spare.