Gio Gonzalez, New York Yankees
(AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Now a former Yankee, Gio Gonzalez is catching heat from the other Big Apple baseball team, the NL East residing New York Mets.

Robby Sabo

Gio Gonzalez is a free man (almost), a free agent (nearly) free to walk the baseball lands. The New York Mets may be interested in changing that active story.

According to Kevin Kernan of the New York Post, the Mets are “keeping a close eye” on the left-handed starting pitcher.

On Saturday, Gonzalez officially opted-out of his New York Yankees contract. This started a 48-hour window in which the Bombers can either add him to the 25-man roster or release him. The latter is the overwhelming expectation.

Gonzalez and the Mets aren’t a new discussion. Prior to signing on with the AL New York club, it was rumored that Brodie Van Wagenen held interest in the southpaw.

Gonzalez, 33, pitched to underwhelming results while in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 2018, he pitched to a 4.21 ERA and 1.444 WHIP while striking out 148 batters in 171 total innings. Gonzalez holds a 127-97 career record coupled with a 3.69 ERA.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports believes Gonzalez is a far more likely Mets option than either Dallas Keuchel or Craig Kimbrel.

In Rosenthal’s eyes, it comes down to price.

The New York Mets absolutely need the pitching help at the moment. With Jason Vargas struggling mightily, Noah Syndergaard off to a poor start, and Jacob deGrom currently on the shelf, Gio Gonzalez makes a lot of sense.

First, the Yankees will have to officially make the move that allows the lefty to walk baseball’s free agency landscape.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com