Rays doing their ‘due diligence’ on top pitcher in MLB free agency

While there are questions about his long-term health, it is hard not to consider two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom as the best pitcher on the free-agent market. He is only 34 and pitched at an elite level again in the second half of 2022.

Despite the fact they would be hard-pressed to match his asking price, on Tuesday, SNY MLB insider Andy Martino revealed the Rays are taking a hard look at him.

“According to league sources, the Tampa Bay Rays — true to their policy of practicing due diligence on every big free agent, even if they don’t end up as a match — have spoken with deGrom’s camp. One league source compared this situation to the Rays’ pursuit last winter of free agent first baseman Freddie Freeman when they emphasized to Freeman the quality of life and the lack of state income tax in Florida.

“… The Rays offered Freeman $150 million with no deferrals, which is almost certainly more than deGrom will end up with.”

– Report on Rays deGrom interest

The superstar pitcher is reportedly looking for a deal that could pay him around $40 million per season. The Rays usually have a payroll that is often near $100 million each year. DeGrom would certainly seem well out of their price range, but it can’t hurt to have a conversation.