Starting pitcher, left-handed hitter at the top of the Mets' wish list

Despite the ongoing MLB lockout, New York Mets rumors still have their way of leaking out. In a taste of obvious Mets rumors from Jon Heyman, he revealed their two wants.

One has been talked about for months. It’s a starting pitcher. The duo of Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer isn’t and shouldn’t be enough.

The other, while not surprising either, narrows down the preference of hitter. They are looking for a lefty. And one look at their starting lineup and we can see why.

NY Mets Rumors: Who fills these two top needs?

For starting pitcher, the options are vast. Do they sign Carlos Rodon and bet on his 2021 season to turn into something just as good in 2022? Or will they seek out a veteran like Clayton Kershaw or Zack Greinke?

The trade market offers a variety as well. The Oakland Athletics have three names we have discussed plenty about in this endless offseason.

The offensive player is a little tougher to nail down because Heyman doesn’t name a position. The added left-handed hitter might just be a part-time player or bench warmer. He could also be Michael Conforto.

Conforto rejoined the list of offseason Mets rumors once the DH became official for the National League. The Mets could easily work him into the outfield rotation with split time on defense between him and Mark Canha, arguably the weakest starting outfielder on the roster.

Another direction the Mets could go comes from some Mets rumors from the past. It’s signing Kyle Schwarber. He probably wouldn’t need to bring his glove to the ballpark often. A better DH than anything else, adding Schwarber signals to everyone that Robinson Cano is either the team’s starting second baseman or highest paid cheerleader.

There are others, as well. One of them is likely someone we haven’t even thought about as a possibility for New York.

The conclusion to the CBT debate will affect the Mets a lot this year. But based on what we have seen out of Steve Cohen so far, who wouldn’t be surprised if he continues to blow past the tax threshold?