As the Mets continue to search under every rock for a starting pitcher, there is a growing sense help won’t come from the free-agent scrap heap.
Though free-agent righty Chris Young remains squarely on general manager Sandy Alderson’s radar, team sources say it is more likely the Mets will go the trade route than gamble on a reclamation project.
Alderson is believed to have inquired about the Cubs’ Tom Gorzelanny, who made $800,000 last season and wouldn’t break the Mets’ shoestring budget even if he were to double that number in arbitration. According to reports, the Cubs have been aggressively shopping the lefty, who went 7-9 with a 4.09 ERA last season. The Mets like the fact Gorzelanny would bring strikeout potential to a rotation — which includes Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Jon Niese — that largely relies on opponents putting the ball in play.
Matt Garza’s name has popped up in recent organizational discussions, according to sources, but the fact the Tampa Bay righty probably will be awarded more than $5 million in arbitration makes him an unlikely fit for the Mets, who are looking to spend roughly half that amount, combined, on another starter and reliever.
But a source said Alderson has “wiggle room” within the payroll — he can appeal to COO Jeff Wilpon on a case-by-case basis — and Garza, who won’t become a free agent until after the 2013 season, might be worth pursuing. But the Rays’ asking price would be high, likely starting with prospects Wilmer Flores and Jenrry Mejia.
Young appears to be the only free-agent starting pitcher the Mets are seriously considering. Alderson had discussions with Jeff Francis’ agent earlier this month, but the lefty is seeking at least $4 million in guaranteed money for next season — a price tag the Mets deem too high for a pitcher who has dealt with shoulder problems in recent seasons.