The Mets attended Jake Arrieta’s recent workout for MLB clubs, and the two sides have had discussions about a potential contract in the weeks since that outing, per SNY’s Andy Martino (Twitter link). Martino notes that there’s no sense a deal is close and adds that lefty James Paxton is also of some interest to the Mets.
Both Arrieta and Paxton are repped by the Boras Corporation, so talks regarding the team’s interest in the pair are largely streamlined. Arrieta and Paxton aren’t free agents at ideal times, but they do represent a couple of the most established arms available on a shrinking market that lost No. 1 option Trevor Bauer to the Dodgers last week. The Mets were finalists for Bauer, and though they’re not going to acquire anyone of his caliber at this stage (barring an unexpected blockbuster trade), they remain on the hunt for starting help.
The Mets’ rotation has undergone a few noteworthy changes already since the offseason started. They brought back Marcus Stroman for the $18.9MM qualifying offer after he sat out all of last year over health concerns. The club also acquired Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland in the Francisco Liriano trade, while it dealt Steven Matz to the Blue Jays and brought in a potential replacement in Joey Lucchesi as part of a three-way swap with the Padres and Pirates.
Stroman, Carrasco, Lucchesi and David Peterson currently look like the favorites to back superstar Jacob deGrom in New York’s rotation when the season opens. If signed, though, Arrieta or Paxton would appear to be in line for a back-end spot. Arrieta’s a former NL Cy Young winner, though the soon-to-be 35-year-old posted a rough 5.08 ERA/4.83 SIERA combination in 44 1/3 innings with the division-rival Phillies last year.
Paxton has frequently dealt with injury issues during what has otherwise been a solid career, and he pitched just 20 1/3 frames as a Yankee in 2020 because of back and arm troubles. When the 32-year-old did take the mound, he limped to a 6.64 ERA and saw his average fastball drop from 95 mph-plus to a little over 92, though Paxton did log a respectable 3.88 SIERA. He also continued to generate strikeouts at a high clip, as his 28.9 percent K rate checked in well above the league average of 23.4.
Mets are fast becoming the new Blue Jays when it comes to rumors
I hear the Pirates are “in on” acquiring Mike Trout.
That’s assuming of course they think Trout can replace Cole Tucker.
@bobtillman- BREAKING NEWS: The Bucs trade their entire organization for Mike Trout.
That’s not even enough for either team lol
Most teams wish they had our offseason. I don’t know what your talking about.
@MetsFan22- Lindor and Carrasco was a great trade for you guys no doubt, but no Springer, no Bauer, and no Realmuto is a great off-season?
Springer hurt but a lot of us didn’t want Bauer for that ridiculous price.
I think these sports writers need to stop playing with themselves and try to report the news. This is pure fantasy. The Mets should have zero interest in Arrieta.
Not sure how acquiring Lindor qualifies as a epic failure. If you make moves that undoubtedly improve your team, I’d call it success, not failure.
@PoloGrounds In before the Mets sign Jake to a 1-year deal.
Count me as a Mets fan who did not want Springer, and I don’t understand why people kept pushing for it. They already have Nimmo/Conforto/Smith, and next year when Cano is back, McNeil moves back to the outfield. And they will need to lay out a lot of money for Conforto next offseason.
The money would have been better spent on starting pitching, but I also didn’t want Bauer, either.
Lindor, Carrasco, McCann, some bullpen pieces in May and Loup, and they could still add some projects (like Arrieta or Paxton). Seems like a great offseason to me. If they could add Justin Turner or JBJ to a two year deal (or even one at a high price; though I know these are very unlikely scenarios), I’d be ecstatic.
Amen, unless he was being used for batting practice.
The “acquiring” of Lindor is not the problem. This offseason has shown that Anderson/Cohen can’t close on signing free agents. The Lindor acquisition could become highly problematic if a team like say the New York Yankees decide they want Lindor. The Mets don’t win that battle! Steve Cohen or no Steve Cohen. Cohen is already piling up a lot of L’s in free agency.
What makes you think the Mets don’t win that battle? Yanks are saddled with bad contracts. Mets will certainly beat the Yanks in a bidding war.
Yeah you keep telling. yourself that and you might believe that Met fans didn’t want Bauer.
@Very Barry- I strongly disagree, the Mets traded for Lindor to sign him long-term. Don’t be surprised to see the Mets sign him for 10 years, $330 million before spring training starts or right before the beginning of the season.
Problem is they need a CFr. Springer would have solved that. A defensive OF of Smith/Nimmo/Conforto is gonna be brutal
Yes.
6 years for Springer’s too much, Bauer’s not worth $40mm a year, and Realmuto asked for $200mm+ from the Mets, and was very risky at that number. Lindor’s better than Springer, Carrasco’s been much better than Bauer, and McCann’s worse than Realmuto, but Realmuto’s also not 5 times better than McCann, which is what he was asking.
The team’s also brought in a ton of depth, with guys like Stroman, May, Loup, Villar, Almora, Lucchesi, and McWilliams while also trading Matz for useful pieces.
They brought in MVP-level talent, a solid #2/3 starter, another #3 starter, a #5 starter, two solid relievers, and a ton of depth. They also seem to be shopping for a 3B.
Gotta say it’s by far the best offseason the team’s had in a very long time.
It’ll also be Top 3 in offense, so there’s that.
The Mets tried and failed to get even one of Bauer, Springer, and Realmuto. Their off season has been an epic fail so far. But hey, at least Prison Steve has a lot of money that no one wants to take apparently. I wonder why that is.
Just curious, when did the Mets discuss any contract with Realmuto to the point you can make a foolish comment that they tried and failed for him? Pretty sure McCann was signed the second week of December. Your user name pretty much confirms the quality of the comment
@pinstripes17- starting to feel like nobody wants to play for the Mets unless their traded to them? Even with all of that Steve Cohen $… Although, getting Lindor and Carrasco can’t be a failed off-season. The 2nd best team in NY did well. Remember the Blue Jays are the 3rd best team in NY.
Balderdash
It’s not inconceivable for the Yankees to end up the third-best team in New York. That starting rotation is a minefield that might go kaboom really early.
Callingoutdummies –
BIG thumbs up for calling out this fool! You should have gotten Yanks4life while you were at it though…
@KCJ- maybe you should change your name to KFC since it’s more original?
My god you’re brilliant. Mom is calling you for dinner…
So Mets get McCann, Lindor, Carrasco, re-sign Stroman, May, Villar, and Almora is an epic fail. Cool story.
@KFC- Thank god I’m starving!!!
And for $200 million…who are the Yankees rolling with in their rotation?
It’s a serious question. And you people love Cashman despite the fact you’re reliant on everything going your way and flashes in the pan like Tauchman and Maybin pulling miracles.
Lindor & Carrasco are an epic fail?
Yankee troll !! Lol how many pitchers didnt take the yankees $ ??
The Mets pivoted to McCann AFTER discussing contract with Realmuto and deciding they didn’t want to wait it out. I am a White Sox fan and I love me some James McCann. However, understand that he is a backup catcher. He is a 40-60 game guy. After that, the numbers crater badly. The All-Star season 2 years ago featured a solid first half, we were rebuilding and had to have a rep so it was McCann. His numbers cratered 2nd half of the season. Last year, solid numbers, but it was a 60-game season, and he only played 30 games. There is a reason why the White Sox signed Yasmani Grandal to the richest contract in team history AFTER McCann’s All-Star season. We know he is a backup. You way overpaid for McCann and should have spent the money on Realmuto. You will be back in the catcher market next year.
Typical sour grape Yankee clown
Mets never wanted JT. I’m glad they didn’t overpay for Bauer. Springer I wish they got. They swung the biggest trade of the off season in their favor yet Yank fans gotta pretend they’ve failed. Lol, some things never change.
The hottest of takes, buddy. Sounds like you’re salty the Mets are doing a lot more to improve the team than your Yankees.
Amen !
@MetsFan22 I actually wasn’t dissing the Mets or the Blue Jays, both of which have improved their rosters significantly this off-season…just joking about the frequency of “Mets interested in…” rumors that have been popping up recently
I think these sports writers need to stop playing with themselves and try to report the news. This is pure fantasy. The Mets should have zero interest in Arrieta.
They have sources that you don’t have. Btw, what is the name of the site you are on?
Yeah, “sources”
The Big Maple going to the Mets and not Buffalo? Smh.
Well done
Hill or Paxton pls
I loved Hill as a Dodger but he is done. He just can’t stay healthy. At all.
Both perfect fits for their rotation where each guy is injured for 50% of the season or greater
Please let them sign Arrieta. Signed: A Phillies Fan
Signed: Another Phillies Phan.
Awesome…got both you Phillies fans that are literate enough to sign in one place. Joking.
I was thinking the exact same thing. As a Phillies fan, I’d love to see them sign Arrieta. I’d be more afraid of Lucchesi or Peterson as the #5, so please sign Arrieta…. he stinks.
Step 1: Sign Paxton.
Step 2: Make him a swingman.
Step 3: Win division.
Lol!
I second this laugh!
Paxton is not going to be a swingman.
Make a pitcher coming off injury a swingman – folks, we have a brilliant mind alert.
Do you know what a swing man is? It’s way easier to control a swing man’s work load than a starting pitcher, and controlling work load is a big deal for someone with injury history.
Anyone have any idea of what kind of a deal these guys would command? I smell an overpay for both, just based on their past accomplishments. Especially Jake. I think there are still some better options out there
1 year 6 millionish?
Sounds a bit high so you’re probably right
Wainwright got 1 for 8MM. Lester got 1 for 5MM.
I’d take Lester over either.
Waino is only guaranteed 5million. The other 3 million is incentives.
8 million guaranteed mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/cardinals-to-re-sign-ad…
@Bill M I think Jake’s last 3 years erase the big contract a pitcher with his resume would normally command. That being said, he’s a Boras client. I’m guessing 1 year5 mil.
The story should read:
“Both Arrieta and Paxton are repped by the Boras Corporation, so expect their names to be dropped by Boras regularly to various “insiders” until they are signed.”
Washington loves Boras clients.
Rangers29- yes, the Mets are the new swingers of the National League, but they are not winning the NL East this season the Braves are.
Ok Nostradamus. Hey where’s Jimmy Hoffa buried?
@Dock_Elvis- hey genius, everyone knows Jimmy Hoffa is buried in New Jersey so do your homework and stop being so salty. Might be time for a diaper change?
Yanks4life –
And it’s almost time for you to start high school
@KCJ or KFC or whatever your name is? Stop trolling. Your not making any sense. And grow the f ^
I think we should take a “troll poll” here. You’d get embarassed
Gotta love those Yankees fans who think all those championships are a reflection on them personally. He’s not just a Yankees fan. He’s a YANK FO LIFE!
I’ll take your word on it Nostradamus. Better ask someone closer to you.
Guess we shouldn’t have a regular season and just do the playoffs in April then.
Arrieta looked completely done IMO, but the Mets would be using him as a 5-6. Phillies were using him as a 2-3. So if he bounces back at all, he’d be solid as a backend starter. That’d be a huge win. His main issue in the last 3 years has been health.
I don’t think they go to either. Paxton signs with the Jays imo ultimately, and Arrieta will sit until the last minute and sign with the Cubs. Or not at all. If he truly thinks he’s worth $8M a season, he’s crazy. No team with brains makes that deal.
So sick of hearing who the Mets are interested in. Let’s just save time and say they are interested in every FA.
nah its the blue jays thats interested in everyone … i dont think mets have been interested in cruz or ozuna before they signed.
I think Odorizzi makes more sense.
What’s up with Taijuan Walker. Given his youth and 2020 performance, he seems like a worthwhile signing yet we are hearing nothing.
Completely agree. He’s been way off the radar screen for no good reason. I’d take him in a second over either of these guys. He’ll cost more but he’ll give you more bang for the buck
I can’t imagine he’s asking for outrageous money. The Jays had him and have made worse moves. If he’s healthy, he’s more exciting than these other names being thrown around.
Absolutely
His advanced stats show he should have done worse and he has a shoulder problem. It’s healthy now but with shoulders you never know. I’m not saying teams shouldn’t go after him but if he was more intriguing he would’ve had more attention by now. He could still end up being a steal but it’s not as easy as just looking at his age and era last year.
Maybe, but then why are names like Hill, Arrieta, Paxton, and Odorizzi being bandied about given their health history?
Walker is clearly on an undercover mission. No questions!
Good question. I really don’t feel comfortable with any of them. Someone will do good and that team will get lucky but someone will hate the signing.
I’ve seen as much Walker as Hill, but they’re less of a risk than Walker and 1/2 of them have Boras as their agent.
good moves if they come to fruition and price not outrageous.
In theory if you get either one at the right price, there is a potential low risk surprise performance. Under promise, over delivery (UPOD) idea.. I would prefer the younger Lefty Paxton of the 2 if they are bound and determined to sign one of the two. I prefer Gio Gonzalez or T. Walker, Odorz (higher price prob. 3yrs @ $16+ each) over Arrieta and Paxton. Almost seems writer is speculating this signing might be a gift to a Boras client hoping it may increase odds Mets can sign Conforto to an extension and potential future Boras clients.
Jake signed with Mets 5 mill w/incentives 2 years.
Tough Competition – Changes Have Come
Dodgers, Padres
Cardinals, Cubs, Brewers, Reds
Braves, Nationals, Marlins,Phillies, Mets
Yankees, Blue jays, Red Sox, Rays
White Sox, Twins, Cleveland Crows,
Angels, Astros, Athletics
Improving SF, KC, TEX, SEA, AZ
Toughest Division NL East?
I am not falling for the Angels’ BS yet again. Each season they push out a good offense while never adding to their lackluster pitching. I don’t think they’re very close to the top of the AL West imo. In fact, the M’s are probably closer than they are.
Yes, I agree that the N.L East is the toughest division though. That is such a deep division; I could conceivably see the Marlins being a 75 win team.
NL East will be tough, which could lead to the two wild cards coming from the other two divisions. At the moment, I’ll take the Braves, Central winner, Dodgers, and Padres for four of the five spots. It wouldn’t surprise me if both the Cardinals and Cubs make the post-season by virtue of weaker competition. This year’s interleague schedule will have the same matchups as last year, meaning East/East, Central/Central, and West/West. A good Central team will therefore have an easier draw. Btw, I think the Cubs will be better than many people think barring any key players being dealt.
Hey Steve and Connor, unless someone else has already mentioned this you might want to change the sentence “The club also acquired Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland in the Francisco Liriano trade” to the Francisco Lindor trade. Thanks!
It will seem like the Francisco Liriano trade after Lindor leaves as a free agent.
Not worried. For the package the Mets gave up, they still won even without an extension. It’s crazy how little they gave up.
Brett Gardner in CF. No brainer. Do it already.
Cleveland Crows or Croix or Hawks OR Mustangs. OR Buffaloes. OR Wolves. OR Dinosaurs
Rockasaurs?
New name ideas .Sorry
Teletubbies?
I was under the impression Liriano signed with the Blue Jays and not traded to the mets. If not another good lefty for the pen?
Still many good landing spots for Gardner PHI, BOS, SF, AZ, MIL, CUB, LAA, HOU, KC, CLE,, A’s, CIN
Blue Jays playing home games in FL or Buffalo NY, TOR OR ….Nashville TN?
@YaGottaBelieveAgain- the BlueJays will be playing in Buffalo and will be the 3rd best team in NY in 2021. So hope your not a fan?
They are playing in Dunedin; and given the jays young talent they could easily end finishing with a better record than one or both of the NY teams if a few things break their way.
I can’t see Paxton swinging a bat and running the bases. He wouldn’t make it to the All Star break.
When you can’t nab the reigning Cy Young winner, you go for the washed up one from years past.
It’s a little different when you already have the guy who’s won 2 of the past 3 and is considered the favorite moving forward.
Will MLB institute Robot Baserunner to help safeguard NL pitchers stamina till DH is universal?. Not till new CBA probably. (kinda like NBA load management)
I root for the STEMs (team based on math, science etc.) and I know competition is Fierce.
I want to win division of course but happy to get a wildcard and take my chances.
Looking forward to see SDP, TOR, LAA and CHi win their divisions. New improved teams etc.
Cant see these two going anywhere other than a contender. Bad teams like the Orioles or Royals could sign the Rick Porcello types to burn innings, with the hope of flipping for a prospect at the deadline.
Still want the cubs to reunite with Jake. Besides him out of what’s left I’ll take Walker on a modest 2 yr deal
Elon Musk and other science genuises reads MLBTraderumors Correct?
Especially the comment sections. … btw I’ve got some ideas on how to improve your cars Get in touch at your earliest convenience, please. jk … kindof
We need MLBTraderumors Chat to go 24/7/364. Spun off as an IPO or SPAC. Carbon Neutral. Low calorie. High in Cognitive Nutrition, More opportunity for Advertising Revenue.. Guest hosts like BauerOutage and the latest Tik Tok star maybe. Good for imsomniacs to log in when we can’t sleep. Think about it – It could work. Baseball Fans Demand It.! We just need some VC financing to get behind it.
Mark Cuban are you listening? Feel free to forward or Re tweet.
I really dislike the runner being put on 2nd with no outs for extra innings (To potentially prevent games going 17 innings or more)
Better compromise Holdoff until after the 12th (3 more innings)
Doubleheaders with 7 innings only isn’t much better but I can live with it. Better than HR contest (like shootout in hockey) to break the tie score I guess.
Sounds like amateur league rules Not Major League.
“Francisco Liriano trade”? I think you meant Lindor, not Liriano.
Who aren’t the Mets interested in?
I’m hearing the Mets are offering Arrieta 3-years and $75M.
Bwhahaha
Nah, that’s the Phillies.
kingjenny,
Been there, done that.
I think Arrieta AND Paxton are BOTH on par with Bauer, his last 11 starts notwithstanding.
Bauer is more durable than Arrieta, but career-wise, Bauer’s numbers pale greatly.
Mets could probably get both pitchers (if they so desired) for less than Bauer’s yearly contract.