Top 10 free agent targets for the Mets when the lockout ends

3. Clayton Kershaw

This feels unrealistic. However, I said the same thing about Max Scherzer coming to New York and somehow that happened too. It might be unlikely, but I won't rule it out until he signs elsewhere.

Clayton Kershaw coming to the Mets would be very exciting. He's older now and not the Cy Young Award pitcher he once was, but he's still more than serviceable. In his 22 starts this past season, Kershaw went 10-8 with a 3.55 ERA. He threw 121.2 innings in those starts.

Kershaw also posted a 10.7 K/9 while walking just 1.6/9 and allowing just 1.1 HR/9. The bottom line is Kershaw still can be an effective pitcher. He just has to stay on the field which has not been easy.

Kershaw has not made more than 30 starts in a season since 2015. He's had a bunch of different injuries which have taken starts away from him.

The Mets can limit Kershaw's workload to keep him fresh with guys like Tylor Megill and David Peterson taking starts from him at times. The Mets could use as much quality depth as possible and Kershaw when healthy is still a quality pitcher who can give the Mets good outings when he takes the mound and serve as a mentor to guys like Megill and Peterson when he's not pitching.