Familiar MLB Team Reportedly Joins Pursuit For Four-Time All-Star Pitcher

Jacob deGrom has options this offseason, and the number of MLB teams linked to the four-time All-Star continue to grow with each passing day.

The number of MLB teams who have now taken interest in the 2014 NL Rookie of the Year has risen to four–the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays.

Of those teams, the Rays are the latest and most surprising team to join the mix.

For one, this would not be the first time that Tampa Bay would explore a potential deal for the 34-year-old pitcher.

According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Rays have reportedly spoken with deGrom's representatives.

In the eyes of some, the situation calls to mind the pursuit of Tampa Bay on Freddie Freeman.

With Freeman failing to come to terms with the Braves despite numerous attempts, the six-time All-Star ended up signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreeing to a six-year $162 million contract.

With regards to deGrom, the Rays would have to offer something bigger than the $150 million pitch to Freeman.

In addition, there is the fact that Tampa Bay has never carried a payroll of $100 million, meaning big free agents are handled intently.

At the moment, the Rays have a rotation composed of Shane McClanahan, Tyler Glasnow, Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs, and Yonny Chirinos.

Adding deGrom, wishful as it may appear, would provide the Rays a huge boost.

Last season, he 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 while racking up 14.27 K/9 across 64 1/3 innings.

DeGrom is seeking a deal that would make him the highest-paid pitcher in the MLB and possibly ahead of former New York Mets teammate Max Scherzer.

Scherzer agreed to a $130 million, three-year deal with the Mets before the 2022 MLB season.

In a previous report here on the International Business Times, deGrom was open to staying with the Mets but only if the price is right.

Unfortunately, New York is not reportedly inclined to hand the 2018 NL ERA leader a long-term deal, meaning any new pact would likely be a short-term lease.