The Mets have been hesitant to hand out long-term contracts to starting pitchers this offseason, opting not to pursue elite arms like Max Fried and Corbin Burnes. Instead, they’re focused on high-impact rentals, which is why they’re engaged in discussions with the San Diego Padres about acquiring Dylan Cease.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported, “The Mets showed they don’t like long-term deals for pitchers when they didn’t pursue Max Fried or Corbin Burnes, but they’ve been trying for Padres rental ace Dylan Cease (and presumably would also consider rotation mate Michael King).