On Friday, fans of the New York Mets were left shocked when veteran right-hander Jacob deGrom bolted for the Texas Rangers.
The ace joined the Rangers on a five-year, $185 million deal.
And so, with deGrom off the board, the Mets will likely turn their attention to either Carlos Rodon or Justin Verlander.
But even with deGrom gone, the Mets have most of their 101-win team from this past season intact for 2023.
Max Scherzer remains in the rotation, and owner Steve Cohen can’t be counted out as he looks for a replacement.
On Twitter, one Mets analyst pointed out a potential silver lining in the wake of the veteran ace’s departure.
The Mets won 101 games last year.
Jacob DeGrom won five. #LGM— Eddie Kraus (@eddiekraus_) December 3, 2022
Mets Analyst Points Out Silver Lining
deGrom has obviously dealt with more than his fair share of arm injuries.
In 2021, the right-hander was shut down towards the end of the regular season due to lingering elbow troubles.
The 34-year-old also missed a good chunk of the 2022 season thanks to a stress reaction in his right shoulder.
Obviously, this is one problem that the Rangers could run into.
But the Mets still have plenty of pitching depth within the organization, and of their 101 wins this season, deGrom won just five of them.
It would be hard to imagine the Mets not making a play for either Rodon or Verlander.
Chris Bassitt is also a free agent and may not return in 2023.
This is where one of the remaining two free agent aces could factor into the Mets plans.
The Winter Meetings are underway, and more activity is expected in the free agent market.
NEXT: 2 Questions Facing The Mets After Losing Jacob DeGrom