A surprising team has joined the Jacob deGrom sweepstakes.
The Tampa Bay Rays have spoken with deGrom's representatives as the two-time Cy Young winner decides on his future for next year, sources told SNY's Andy Martino.
This marks the second consecutive offseason where the Rays have been linked to a high-profile free agent after their dalliance with Freddie Freeman last year.
The Rays offered Freeman a $150-million contract that contained no deferrals, per Martino.
Tampa Bay currently has a projected rotation of Shane McClanahan, Tyler Glasnow, Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs, and Yonny Chirinos.
The New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers have also been in contact with deGrom's camp.
DeGrom, 34, made just 11 starts for the Mets amid injuries in 2022. The veteran hurler posted a 5-4 record with a 3.08 ERA and 2.13 FIP. He also racked up 14.27 K/9 across 64 1/3 innings.
