Report: deGrom interested in signing with Rangers
Right-hander Jacob deGrom informed the Texas Rangers that he's interested in signing with the team in free agency, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
The pitcher is expected to seek a pact with an average annual value of $40-million plus, reports Heyman. The four-time All-Star is arguably the top starting pitcher available on the open market after opting out of his deal with the New York Mets.
The Rangers are reportedly expected to pursue all of the top pitching targets in free agency. The club already acquired veteran right-hander Jake Odorizzi in a trade with the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.
Texas has also reached out to the agents of Carlos Rodon and Japanese star Kodai Senga, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
The 34-year-old deGrom owns a career 2.52 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP and 10.9 K/9 over nine years with the Mets. However, the two-time Cy Young winner has been limited to a combined 156 1/3 innings over the last two seasons because of injuries.
Landing a pitcher like deGrom could go a long way toward helping a Rangers pitching staff that amassed the sixth-worst fWAR in baseball last season.
Texas finished with a 68-94 record after spending $500 million last offseason on position players Marcus Semien and Corey Seager.