The New York Mets have been keeping in touch with free agent starter Gio Gonzalez according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Rich Mancuso (broke Hector Santiago signing) of NY Sports Day recently reported that the Mets and Gonzalez have talked, though Gio want’s a long-term deal and Mets would like to stay at one year.
The Mets will have competition for the services of Gonzalez, he’s arguably the second best starter left on the market and according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Padres have shown interest.
In 2018, Gonzalez split time with the Nationals and Brewers, going 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 1.444 WHIP, and 7.8 K/9. He finished the year strong, going 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA across five starts with the Brewers.
There’s certainly reasons to be wary of Gonzalez after a down season for the 33-year-old. In 2018, his walks were up (4.2 BB/9), strikeouts were down (7.9 K/9), and his xFIP of 4.44 was the worst since 2008.
The Mets currently have Jason Vargas penciled in as their fifth starter, and beyond him don’t have much depth in terms of starters with major league experience.
