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Report: Mets pivoting to Verlander after deGrom signs with Rangers

Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New York Mets are turning their attention to another Cy Young winner after Jacob deGrom signed with the Texas Rangers on Friday.

Free-agent right-hander Justin Verlander is now "front and center" for New York, a source told SNY's Andy Martino.

Verlander isn't reportedly considered a fallback option for the Mets, who deGrom apparently never gave a chance to make a final offer before signing with the Rangers.

New York has been interested in the nine-time All-Star for most of the offseason and had considered him over deGrom, according to Martino.

The 39-year-old Verlander returned from Tommy John surgery last season to post an 18-4 record with a 1.75 ERA. The performance earned him his third Cy Young of his career, which also includes two ERA titles, an MVP, and two World Series titles.

The future Hall of Famer is reportedly seeking a deal similar to the three-year, $130-million pact Max Scherzer signed with the Mets before the start of last campaign.

New York will turn to left-hander Carlos Rodon if it can't sign Verlander, per Martino. Verlander has also drawn interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.

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