Report: Mets pushing hard for Gausman, talked to Scherzer

The New York Mets dropped $124.5 million in free agency Friday, and it doesn't appear they're done yet.

After reportedly signing Starling Marte, Mark Canha, and Eduardo Escobar, the Mets are shifting their focus to free-agent starters. New York is heavily in the mix for right-hander Kevin Gausman, sources told SNY's Andy Martino.

New York is also one of the teams chasing Jon Gray, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Additionally, the club has talked to agent Scott Boras about Max Scherzer, but signing him appears to be a long shot, according to Martino.

Gausman bet on himself last winter by accepting the San Francisco Giants' one-year qualifying offer, and the gamble is about to pay off. He posted career-best numbers across the board to earn his first All-Star nod and a sixth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting.

The 30-year-old could sign in the next few days, Martino adds.

Gray, who's spent his entire seven-year career with the Colorado Rockies, posted a 4.59 ERA, 4.22 FIP, and 1.33 WHIP in 29 starts last season. The 30-year-old pitched better at hitter-friendly Coors Field than he did on the road in 2021, though he allowed more homers in his home park.

The Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers have also been linked to Gray.

Scherzer, who finished third in NL Cy Young voting in 2021, is a familiar foe to Mets fans thanks to his many years with the NL East rival Washington Nationals. He's been dominant at Citi Field, posting a 2.14 ERA in 14 starts at the Mets' home park and throwing a no-hitter there in 2015.

New York is looking to shore up several gaping holes in its rotation behind ace Jacob deGrom. Noah Syndergaard has already departed in free agency, and Marcus Stroman appears to be on his way out as well.