MLB Rumors on Mets, More Teams In Pursuit of 'Mid-Tier' Pitching in Free Agency

It's been a quiet offseason for the New York Mets as far as addressing their starting rotation is concerned, but they are among many teams keeping a close eye on the market for the non-top level starters.

Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Mets are among seven clubs that have been the most aggressive in the "mid-tier" pitching free agents.

Other teams in the group include the Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.

Passan cited players like Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Walker Buehler and Tyler Mahle as pitchers who fall into the mid-tier category.

Based on recent deals that have been made, there are unlikely a lot of bargains for teams like the Mets to find in this tier. Merrill Kelly, who is 37 years old, agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with the Diamondbacks this week.

Dustin May, coming off a season in which he posted a 4.96 ERA and missed most of September due to a right elbow injury, got $12.5 million on a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Mets' plan to address their pitching staff has so far been focused on their bullpen. Devin Williams was brought in to replace Edwin Díaz as the closer. Luke Weaver left the Bronx for Queens on Wednesday after agreeing to a two-year, $22 million deal.

One reason that the bullpen and mid-tier starters could be the focus for the Mets is they don't appear totally enamored with the top-level pitchers in free agency, at least if it doesn't match the terms they want.

Per The Athletic's Will Sammon, the Mets would have interest in someone like Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez on a "shorter-term" deal.

After losing Díaz and Pete Alonso in free agency, the pressure on David Stearns and the Mets front office has been amplified. They have brought in players to reshape the identity of the team, trading for Marcus Semien to improve the defense and signing Jorge Polanco.

But nothing the Mets have done thus far looks like a real difference-making move as they look to compete with the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves in the NL East next season.

There is still plenty of time left in the offseason and many good players still available in free agency, so the Mets shouldn't be fully judged for what they have done thus far because more deals could be on the way.