The New York Mets reportedly have lost free agent Zack Wheeler to the rival Philadelphia Phillies, and they might look to a Boston Red Sox starter to replace him.
SNY's Matthew Cerrone reported Wednesday, "There is mutual interest between the Mets and free-agent Rick Porcello, according to insiders aware of his offseason goals. This is good news because he's a perfect fit for the Mets." Cerrone also writes, "Porcello is seeking a multiyear deal."
Porcello is a free agent after his four-year, $82.5 million contract with the Red Sox expired after this past season, and with the Red Sox looking to shed payroll, the veteran pitcher could land with a new team before the 2020 campaign. He has spent five seasons with the Red Sox, posting a 73-55 record, a 4.43 ERA, 852 strikeouts and 221 walks. He won the 2016 American League Cy Young Award and played a key role on Boston's 2018 World Series-winning roster.
Porcello's performance has been up-and-down throughout his career. When he's on top of his game, he's capable of pitching at a Cy Young Award level. The flip side is Porcello also has shown to be average at best many times in his career, evidenced by his six seasons with a 4.50-plus ERA.
The consistent theme with Porcello is his durability. He's averaged more than 30 starts per season in 11 years as a Major League starter. He would give the Mets, or any other team, a dependable starter who takes the every fifth day. It's why replacing him won't be easy for the Red Sox if he departs in free agency.
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