Report: Mets interested in Arrieta
After losing out on Trevor Bauer, the New York Mets have eyes on a former award-winning starter.
The Mets are interested in signing free-agent right-hander Jake Arrieta, SNY's Andy Martino reports.
A deal is not close at this time, Martino adds.
Arrieta, who won the NL Cy Young with the Chicago Cubs in 2015, just completed three difficult seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He struggled with injuries and didn't pitch anywhere close to his former self over the course of his contract.
The 34-year-old posted a 5.08 ERA, 4.66 FIP, and 1.51 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and 16 walks over nine starts with the Phillies in 2020. After struggling early, he pitched better to start September only to have his season shortened by a hamstring injury.
New York was among the teams that attended Arrieta's showcase in Texas, Martino reported last week. He looked "very good" during the session, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
The Mets are still searching for another starter to slot in behind Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, and Marcus Stroman. They reportedly made a big push for Bauer until he spurned their overtures Friday to sign a three-year, $102-million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Some alternatives on the market include left-hander James Paxton and righties Jake Odorizzi and Taijuan Walker. However, the Mets aren't looking as heavily at Paxton and don't appear to have eyes on the two right-handers, according to Martino.