Mets are reportedly interested in Pittsburgh Pirates’ starter

Recent reports had the New York Mets inquiring about Washington Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer, who could potentially be available if the 2019 World Series champs decide they are too far off contention to go for it this year.

However, the Mets may not bring a top name for their starting rotation, and could instead focus on bringing one more medium-level arm to ensure there won’t be any depth issues. After all, they are very confident in Jacob deGrom’s health, and they seem to be pleased with Carlos Carrasco’s latest rehab start.

While Joey Lucchesi is out for the year, there is optimism that the Mets could have Noah Syndergaard back in September. As a result, they will probably shift their focus to a bat and a more modest starter, like Tyler Anderson of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Mets remain interested in trading for the Pirates’ left-hander, according to a report from SNY’s Andy Martino.

Martino says it is “probably too late to swing a trade for Anderson in time for him to start Tuesday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field — the Mets’ starter is currently TBA.”

The Mets and the Pirates could swing a deal

Mets’ president Sandy Alderson is said to be very close with his Pirates’ counterpart Ben Cherington, and the possibility of a deal being reached is tangible.

Anderson is no star, but he can certainly help the Mets and give more depth to their rotation. This year, the 31-year-old southpaw has a 4.35 ERA (4.26 FIP) and 1.20 WHIP with 86 strikeouts in 103.1 innings over 18 starts.

He is also affordable, making $2.5 million this season and slated to hit free agency when it ends.

The Mets, besides Scherzer and Anderson, have also been linked with Arizona Diamondbacks’ right-hander Merril Kelly.

New York is still the top-ranked team in the NL East and intends to keep it that way.