Mets Rumors: Interest in Jake Odorizzi is still cooking on the hot stove

The latest New York Mets rumors suggest another Minnesota Twins pitcher, Jake Odorizzi, could pitch for the orange and blue in 2021.

According to the latest New York Mets rumors, the hot stove is warming up and with the Winter Meetings rapidly approaching, the offseason targets for the team are starting to become clearer. Jake Odorizzi is the latest player to be linked to the Mets and having just signed a former teammate in Trevor May, there’s reason to believe a deal could happen.

Reports suggest that the Mets aren’t necessarily waiting for the market to shape up before signing Odorizzi. Given May’s arrival and the return of Jeremy Hefner as the Mets pitching coach, Odorizzi could be the next player to end up in blue and orange.

Recent Mets rumors indicate that the team is in the market for starting pitching as they look to round out the rest of their rotation. In stark contrast to the narrative from a few years ago, Mets starting pitching was a glaring weakness in 2020. Outside of Jacob deGrom, the rest of the rotation produced an ERA of 6.99,  even accounting for David Peterson who put together a nice rookie season.

As good as the offense was last year, the Mets won’t be able to compete for a title unless they address the rotation, something they’re clearly looking to do in potentially signing Odorizzi. While there are reasons for optimism, there are still plenty of questions. Marcus Stroman hasn’t pitched in a year, Noah Syndergaard is coming back from Tommy John surgery and David Peterson hasn’t pitched a full season in the Majors.

Sandy Alderson has made it clear that while the team is trying to improve the club with talent, they’re also trying to create depth on the roster as well, which is why Odorizzi would be a nice signing for the club. Ranked as the 11th best free agent this winter, Odorizzi is coming off an injury-riddled season in which he only made four starts to the tune of a 6.59 ERA.

However, Odorizzi has been consistent throughout his career posting a lifetime ERA a shade under four and averaging 165 innings pitched since 2014. Unless the Mets sign another start, with the return of Stroman, Peterson, and eventually Syndergaard, Odorizzi projects to be the fourth starter in the rotation.

Want your voice heard? Join the Rising Apple team!

Write for us!

This would be a clear upgrade over what the Mets had in Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello last year. Odorizzi is predicted to sign a contract for three years and $39M, which would still allow the Mets to upgrade their rotation if they sign him.