JACOB DEGROM

Here are five MLB teams in good position to make major improvements in the standings in 2023.

The Texas Rangers have added another proven veteran to their revamped starting rotation. Eovaldi's addition comes only 3 1/2 weeks after the Rangers signed two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom in free agency. “I’m elated that we have added another standout pitcher to our rotation in Nathan Eovaldi,” Rangers general manager Chris Young said in a statement. DeGrom agreed to a $185 million, five-year deal with the Rangers before the winter meetings this month. To make room on the 40-man roster for Eovaldi, right-hander Nick Mears was designated for assignment.

It has been an epic holiday season already for several major league teams and players a year after baseball trudged through an ugly labor dispute.

Jacob deGrom thanked the New York Mets organization and fans for their support over the last several years in an ad in the New York Post on Thursday.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen was on the line. That conversation led to an $86.7 million, two-year contract on Dec. 5, a deal that was finalized two days later. Entering their third season under Cohen, the Mets have committed $476.7 million to seven free agents. He also got his first win in nine career World Series starts in Game 5 as Houston beat Philadelphia in six games, earning his second World Series ring. Verlander is guaranteed $43,333,333 in each of the next two seasons, matching Scherzer's annual salary in a $130 million, three-year deal through 2024.

Justin Verlander says owner Steve Cohen and his willingness to spend his hedge-fund fortune on building a World Series-contender is the reason he joined the New York Mets.

I was searching through pitches made by the Mets in 2021, and I think this slider by Jacob deGrom is one of the most impressive. 3-2 slider at 95 mph in a perfect spot to strikeout one of the best hitters on the planet. The past two years, rendered about one season's worth of pitching by injury, deGrom has thrown his fastball or slider 89% of the time. It looks almost certain that this offseason’s two most lucrative pitching deals will go to arms throwing this way: deGrom and Carlos Rodón. We know deGrom’s story: His fastball velocity skyrocketed from 96 mph to 99 mph between 2018 and 2020.

ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom sees the vision of what the Texas Rangers want to do, not their streak of six consecutive losing seasons and being more than a decade removed from their only World Series appearances. “The Rangers did a great job with constant communication and making me feel like they really wanted me here," deGrom said Thursday during his introduction in Texas. “They showed a ton of interest right at the start, and the feelings were mutual," deGrom said. “Last year’s was a weird injury, but finished the year strong and the goal’s to go out there and take the ball every fifth day for the Texas Rangers,” he said. He gets $30 million next year, $40 million in 2024 and 2025, $38 million in 2026 and $37 million in 2027.

ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom sees the vision of what the Texas Rangers want to do, not their streak of six consecutive losing seasons and being more than a decade removed from their only World Series appearances. “The Rangers did a great job with constant communication and making me feel like they really wanted me here," deGrom said Thursday during his introduction in Texas. “They showed a ton of interest right at the start, and the feelings were mutual," deGrom said. “Last year’s was a weird injury, but finished the year strong and the goal’s to go out there and take the ball every fifth day for the Texas Rangers,” he said. He gets $30 million next year, $40 million in 2024 and 2025, $38 million in 2026 and $37 million in 2027.

After the news broke — reportedly, deGrom did not give the Mets a chance to match the Rangers' five-year, $185 million offer — Eppler texted him. The Mets will pair Verlander with Max Scherzer, acquired last offseason, to replicate their tantalizing co-ace formula of 2021. Verlander and Scherzer both are outliers on the aging curve, remarkable anomalies defined by their defiance of the decline expected of athletes entering midlife. The point is not that Verlander, or Scherzer for that matter, won’t each be worth the co-AAV record $43.33 million the Mets will pay them next year. Rather, in order for these “impact” pitchers to be at their most impactful in the important moments, the Mets might need to ration their innings.

With several of the MLB's top free agents still on the open market, the FOX Sports staff revealed what they're most looking forward to from the 2022 Winter Meetings.

SAN DIEGO — (AP) — Justin Verlander agreed to an $86.7 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets on Monday, reuniting the AL Cy Young Award winner with Max Scherzer and giving the Mets a high-profile replacement for Jacob deGrom. But he made an impressive return this season, becoming the 11th player to win the Cy Young Award at least three times. He won his first Cy Young Award in 2011 and also took home AL MVP honors after going 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA in 34 starts. Verlander agreed to a $66 million contract with Houston covering 2020 and 2021, then hurt his elbow. He also won the 2019 AL Cy Young Award, going 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA in 34 starts.

With several of the MLB's top free agents still on the open market, the FOX Sports staff revealed what they're most looking forward to from the 2022 Winter Meetings.

A person familiar with the negotiations says Justin Verlander has agreed to an $86.7 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets.

Let’s start with five big storylines and five notable trade candidates. The Aaron Judge decisionAs you might’ve heard, AL MVP Aaron Judge, fresh off a 62-homer season in New York Yankees pinstripes, is a free agent. Even franchise player Mookie Betts could move to second base if Judge were to don Dodger blue. Once Judge and Brandon Nimmo choose teams, the Pirates could be well-positioned to capitalize on Reynolds' desire for a change of scenery. … Hoskins would provide much-needed thump for a whole host of teams, while the Phillies have nothing but thump.

The Texas Rangers shocked the MLB world by signing Jacob deGrom to a five-year deal reported to be worth $185 million. We break down why — and what's next.

ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Free-agent ace Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers agreed to a $185 million, five-year contract Friday. After making his first start last season in early August, deGrom went 5-4 with a 3.08 ERA in 11 outings. “We are thrilled that Jacob deGrom has decided to become a Texas Ranger,” executive vice president and general manager Chris Young said in a statement. “Over a number of seasons, Jacob has been a standout major league pitcher, and he gives us a dominant performer at the top of our rotation. Texas went 68-94 last season and then hired Bruce Bochy as its new manager.

The Rangers signed the former Mets ace and two-time National League Cy Young winner on Friday. Here are the details.

Free-agent ace Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a $185 million, five-year contract.

Untouchable ace Jacob deGrom has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers, the club announced Friday. The contract is for five years and $185 million with a conditional sixth-year option that would increase its value to $222 million, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. DeGrom announced an intention to test the market even prior to the 2022 season, but that did very little to quiet speculation about his future in New York. In his shortened 2022 season, that home run rate was elevated and represented just about the only way anyone scored on him. Although the Mets' season ended in disappointment, deGrom twirled six innings to earn their lone victory over the San Diego Padres in the NL wild-card series.

Outfielder Joc Pederson and left-hander Martín Pérez were the only players to accept $19.65 million qualifying offers from their former teams and end their free agency.

Jacob deGrom is the best pitcher on earth when he's healthy. Steve Cohen is MLB's wealthiest owner. But there's no guarantee deGrom winds up back with the Mets.

The 2022 New York Mets have more free agents than any other MLB team, Jacob deGrom and Brandon Nimmo among them. What will they do, and how much could they spend?

First baseman Anthony Rizzo became a free agent again when he declined his $16 million option with the New York Yankees for 2023.

LAS VEGAS — (AP) — In the hallways and meeting rooms of Resorts World, baseball general managers are starting to weigh bigger bets than the wagers placed on tables and machines in the casino downstairs. “It's going to come back pretty strong,” predicted player agent Alan Nero, managing director of Octagon's baseball division. It will break the previous high for a reliever, set when Aroldis Chapman returned to the New York Yankees after the 2016 season for an $86 million, five-year agreement. Chapman voided the last two years and reached a $48 million, three-year deal that brought his earnings to $104 million over six seasons. The Mets' payroll was $273.9 million as of Aug. 31, with final figures that include bonuses yet to be compiled.

In the hallways and meeting rooms of Resorts World, baseball general managers are starting to weigh bigger bets than the wagers placed on tables and machines in the casino downstairs.

LAS VEGAS — (AP) — Jacob deGrom, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Rodón turned down player options Monday, joining a free agent market that includes Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson. Bogaerts, 30, agreed to a $120 million, six-year deal with Boston that gave the shortstop the right to terminate the contract after 2022. San Diego outfielder Jurickson Profar turned down a $6.5 million option for a $1 million buyout, making his deal worth $13.5 million over two years. He hit .243 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs. Padres right-hander Robert Suarez turned down a $5 million option for a $1 million buyout, ending his contract after one year and $6 million.

Jacob deGrom, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Rodón turned down player options, joining a free agent market that includes Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson.

Aaron Judge, Edwin Díaz, Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson and Xander Bogaerts were among 131 players who became free agents as baseball’s business season began just hours after the final out of the World Series.

It really hurts,” Pete Alonso said after Sunday night’s 6-0 loss to San Diego ended the Mets’ postseason return just three games after it began. It’s kind of the disbanding of the group because every single guy in this clubhouse is really awesome. And it just sucks that it’s not going to be the same group next year because you have free agency, trade possibilities," he said. He would etch his name alongside Gil Hodges and Davey Johnson in Mets lore if he pushes this team to the top. “I think I told our players, I don’t want them going around apologizing for winning 101, 102 games,” he said.

Baseball’s biggest spenders looked spent.

Joe Musgrove brushed off chants of “Cheater!”.

The panic meter exploded after Friday's embarrassing loss, but the New York Mets staved off elimination with a huge win over the Padres on Saturday.

The New York Mets held off the San Diego Padres and put elimination on the backburner Saturday night with a 7-3 victory to bring their series to a deciding Game 3.

NEW YORK – As the window to secure the division narrowed and finally slammed shut, sending the New York Mets to the wild card, the team was repeatedly asked about the mounting pressure. “Anyone that says no is a liar,” Chris Bassitt said before the game that could have been the Mets’ last. If he could do all that, Bassitt would go Sunday in the decisive game. And now, having done so successfully, the Mets will hand the ball to Bassitt, the No. That requires knowing who you are, of course, and so fortunately for Bassitt, this season has proven illuminating on that front.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Pete Alonso launched a tiebreaking homer and Jacob deGrom pitched well enough to help save the New York Mets' season with a 7-3 victory over the San Diego Padres that evened their wild-card playoff series at one game apiece Saturday night. Joe Musgrove is scheduled to start for his hometown Padres against 15-game winner Chris Bassitt. Ruf ended the season with four hits, none for extra bases, in his final 48 at-bats (.083). UP NEXTMusgrove (10-7, 2.93 ERA) grew up a Padres fan in the San Diego suburbs and signed a $100 million, five-year contract with his hometown team this season. Bassitt went 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA in his first season with the Mets after coming over in a trade with Oakland, where he pitched for Melvin.

Pete Alonso launched a tiebreaking homer and Jacob deGrom pitched well enough to help save the New York Mets’ season with a 7-3 victory over the San Diego Padres that evened their wild-card playoff series at one game apiece.

And yet Mets reliever Trevor May called him “almost an urban legend,” as if he exists somewhere between man and myth. But for a long time, Max Scherzer has been that gamer, that guy, that big-game pitcher. Like they had in Atlanta, the Mets failed to convert hits into runs, going 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position. Scherzer gave up four home runs in the 7-1 loss that has the Mets’ season on the brink with the postseason barely underway. If they had won the first game, deGrom would await either a necessary Game 3 or the start of the division series.

NEW YORK — (AP) — The New York Mets find themselves on the verge of getting aced out. Owners of five Cy Young Awards, Scherzer and deGrom combine to earn $70 million, more than four entire big league teams. The Mets opened a 10 1/2-game NL East lead even without deGrom, sidelined by a series of ailments for nearly 13 months. DeGrom and Scherzer lost on consecutive days, and deGrom is 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA in his last four outings. With the Mets consigned to the new best-of-three wild-card series, Scherzer was nothing of his normal self.

The New York Mets find themselves on the verge of getting aced out.

Josh Bell and Manny Machado smashed two of San Diego’s four home runs off Max Scherzer, and the Padres romped past the New York Mets 7-1 in their playoff opener.

Padres pound Mets as Yu Darvish bests Max ScherzerThere was a dominant, big-ticket ace in his late 30s on the mound in New York Friday. Padres maestro Yu Darvish stymied the favored Mets for 7 innings as the San Diego bats repeatedly left the yard. After 101 regular season wins, the Mets are on the brink of elimination at the hands of the Padres. By the end, 10 Phillies had batted, the Cardinals bullpen had melted down, and 11th year player Jean Segura was the hero in his first postseason game. After Phillies starter Zack Wheeler (6 1/3 innings) and Cardinals starter Jose Quintana (5 1/3 innings) both posted scoreless outings, this turned into a battle of the bullpens.

NEW YORK — (AP) — For two teams that finished second fiddle in their divisions, the Padres and Mets bring an awful lot of star power into the playoffs. A couple of baseball's biggest spenders, one from each coast, primed to square off in a best-of-three National League wild-card series at Citi Field beginning Friday night. This is the short game,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said. “It's going to take everything out of us to be able to move on," he said about the Padres. CLOSING TIMEThe hard-throwing Hader struggled after arriving in San Diego from Milwaukee, but Mets righty Edwin Díaz has arguably been baseball's best closer this season.

For two teams that finished second fiddle in their divisions, the Padres and Mets bring an awful lot of star power into the playoffs.

The entire Major League Baseball playoff picture is now set.

Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson homered for the third straight game, Travis d’Arnaud hit a go-ahead two-run single in the third inning, and Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 5-3, completing a three-game sweep of their NL East rival and taking a two-game lead in the division with three games to play.

Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson homered off Max Scherzer, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a crucial 4-2 victory over the New York Mets and a one-game lead in the NL East.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Austin Riley and Matt Olson hit back-to-back homers off Jacob deGrom in the second inning and Dansby Swanson later connected off the Mets ace as the Atlanta Braves beat New York 5-2 Friday night to move into a tie for the NL East lead. Atlanta, going for its fifth straight NL East title, has won eight of the 17 games in the season series. Riley and Olson became the first players to hit back-to-back homers off deGrom (5-4) since Freddie Freeman and Josh Donaldson did it for the Braves on June 18, 2019. That game was also the last time deGrom allowed two homers in the same inning. At that point, deGrom had given up 13 earned runs and five homers in 17 innings over his last four starts.

Austin Riley and Matt Olson hit back-to-back homers off Jacob deGrom in the second inning and Dansby Swanson later connected off the Mets ace as the Atlanta Braves beat New York 5-2 to move into a tie for the NL East lead.

1 and 2 seeds — the two best division winners — get byes into the Division Series, a huge advantage. The other four teams square off in a new three-game wild-card series, replacing the one-game wild-card showdowns, that will be exclusively hosted at the better seed’s park. 6 seed, the wild-card team with the worst record. Meanwhile, the Phillies are trying to play hot potato with the final NL wild-card spot and the Brewers simply won't take it. The Brewers are the only team currently outside the playoff picture with better than a 1% chance of getting into it.

Two months into the season, it looked like the New York Mets were headed for an NL East runaway.

Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies hoped to be in this position.

Pete Alonso homered, doubled and drove in five runs to set the team record for RBIs, Max Scherzer pitched six sharp innings and the New York Mets routed the Oakland Athletics 13-4 Sunday to hold their NL East lead. The Mets remained 1 1/2 games ahead of Atlanta. New York has won eight of 10, and plays the Braves on the road next weekend in a three-game series.

Chris Bassitt pitched eight sharp innings in his return to Oakland, Eduardo Escobar hit a grand slam and the New York Mets extended their lead in the NL East by beating the Athletics 9-2.

The Mets are on track to have baseball’s highest payroll for the first time since 1989.

Jacob deGrom continued his historic stretch on Sunday, and he broke an MLB record that has stood since 1914. He also struck out 13 guys for the fun of it.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Jacob deGrom struck out 13 batters — the most ever for a Mets pitcher who threw five or fewer innings — but didn’t factor into the decision Sunday, when the NL East leaders beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 to complete a four-game sweep. But Jeff McNeil had an RBI single in the first and drew a bases-loaded walk in the second, when Pete Alonso hit into a run-scoring forceout. DeGrom allowed a leadoff double to Oneil Cruz in the first before retiring the next 15 batters, 13 by strikeout. Sid Fernandez (June 30, 1986) and Oliver Perez (Sept. 12, 2006) each struck out 11 batters in five-inning starts for the Mets. Mets: RHP Max Scherzer (left oblique) will be activated to start Monday night, when New York starts a road trip with the opener of a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jacob deGrom struck out 13 batters — the most ever for a Mets pitcher who threw five or fewer innings — but didn’t factor into the decision.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Brandon Nimmo saved Jacob deGrom and the New York Mets with a breathtaking catch at the center-field fence, and Edwin Díaz entered to Timmy Trumpet's live horns at Citi Field before closing out the Los Angeles Dodgers for a scintillating 2-1 victory Wednesday night. Starling Marte hit a two-run homer off All-Star lefty Tyler Anderson (13-3) as the Mets evened the three-game showdown between the top two teams in the National League. Making his sixth start of the season after returning from injury, deGrom hit 102 mph on the radar gun and struck out nine in seven innings. Knowing it might tie the game, deGrom turned around and went into a worried crouch on the mound. Nimmo, however, raced back and plucked the ball off the top of the wall with a sensational leaping grab.

Brandon Nimmo saved Jacob deGrom and the New York Mets with a breathtaking catch atop the center-field fence, and Edwin Díaz entered to Timmy Trumpet’s live horn at pulsing Citi Field before closing out the Los Angeles Dodgers for a scintillating 2-1 victory.

Aaron Judge hit a 453-foot drive halfway up the bleachers for his 48th home run and added an RBI single during a seventh-inning rally, boosting the Yankees past the Mets 4-2 for a two-game sweep in a Subway Series both teams hope was a World Series prelude.

Brett Baty homered his first time up in the big leagues, Starling Marte went deep twice and the New York Mets held off the Braves 9-7 to snap Atlanta’s eight-game winning streak.

Phillies Mets Baseball New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws the final strike on Philadelphia Phillies' Rhys Hoskins to close the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (John Minchillo)NEW YORK — (AP) — Jacob deGrom struck out 10 in six dominant innings and Edwin Díaz earned his 200th career save, helping the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0 on Saturday night. Pete Alonso hit an early RBI single as the NL East leaders improved to 31-9 following a loss and 10-4 in the season series with Philadelphia. DeGrom (2-0) allowed two hits and walked none in his third start after spending the first part of the season on the injured list. It was deGrom’s second double-digit strikeout game since returning and his 55th in the regular season overall.

Jacob deGrom struck out 10 in six dominant innings and Edwin Díaz earned his 200th career save, helping the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0.

Atlanta Braves v New York Mets NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 04: Jacob deGrom #48 (L) and Max Scherzer #21 of the New York Mets look on from the dugout during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on August 04, 2022 in New York City. It stars Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom and Edwin Diaz. And all the while, they have been waiting to see the vision of Scherzer and deGrom, deGrom and Scherzer, play out in real life in games that matter. The Mets threw Scherzer, deGrom or Diaz at 29.9% of their batters. He went seven frames and struck out 11 while allowing no walks and no runs to best Braves ace Max Fried and clinch a series win.

Padres Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, and relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel congratulate each other after the Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 4-0 in a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets mostly ceded the spotlight at the trade deadline. Los Angeles wasn't all that active, The Dodgers took Joey Gallo off the Yankees' hands but otherwise seemed content to lie low. Los Angeles has won eight in a row and 30 of its last 35. And Los Angeles has gone on this extended run without Walker Buehler, who hasn't pitched since June 10.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets mostly ceded the spotlight at the trade deadline.

Braves Mets Baseball New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) (Julia Nikhinson)NEW YORK — (AP) — Jacob deGrom struck out 12 and carried a perfect game into the sixth inning of his second start all season, pitching the New York Mets past the Atlanta Braves 5-2 on Sunday for their 12th victory in 14 games. Dansby Swanson followed with a two-run homer on the 76th and final pitch from deGrom, making it 5-2. He finally returned Tuesday at Washington, throwing five innings of one-run ball in a rare Mets loss lately. Mets fans had to wait a little longer than they planned to see deGrom go to work as the start of the game was delayed 20 minutes by rain.

Jacob deGrom struck out 12 and carried a perfect game into the sixth inning of his second start all season, pitching the New York Mets past the Atlanta Braves 5-2 for their 12th victory in 14 games.

Max Scherzer tied a season high with 11 strikeouts over seven innings and the New York Mets beat the sloppy Atlanta Braves 6-2 to complete a doubleheader sweep.

New York Mets v Washington Nationals WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 02: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets pitches in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 02, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)WASHINGTON — He threw hard and the team gave him insufficient run support, it was a classic Jacob deGrom start on Tuesday night in the nation’s capital. Their famously long-suffering, hope-adverse fans showed up in droves to dominate Nationals Park and give deGrom a series of swelling ovations. Facing a Nationals team that had just traded away Juan Soto and Josh Bell, the 5-1 loss is either an absurd testament to baseball's single-game flukiness, or a troubling omen. “Maybe in the postseason,” deGrom repeated.

Tuesday was a rough day for Washington Nationals fans. That meant the call-up of first baseman Joey Meneses to help fill out the lineup. For Meneses, it meant his MLB debut at 30 years old after 12 years in the minors and international baseball. After 10 years in the minors, 30-year-old Joey Meneses just homered in his first MLB game 🙌pic.twitter.com/bMqKew4DY8 — Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) August 3, 2022The solo shot prompted calls of "Jo-ey, Jo-ey, Jo-ey" during his next at-bat. But it was more than enough to deliver some feel-good to a Nationals fanbase that was otherwise having a bad day.

Mets Nationals Baseball New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, in Washington. He averaged 99.7 mph on 31 fastballs, throwing 13 in triple digits and topping out at 101.6 mph. Mets reliever Stephen Nogosek (0-1) took the loss after allowing a two-run homer to Luis Garcia and a solo shot to Yadiel Hernandez in the sixth. New York sent DH/3B J.D. Chris Bassitt (7-7, 3.83 ERA) is set to start for New York against Aníbal Sánchez (0-3, 7.47).

Jacob deGrom allowed one run on three hits and struck out six in five innings in his season debut before a bullpen meltdown cost the New York Mets in a 5-1 loss to the Washington Nationals.

Mets Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Juan Soto acknowledges the New York Mets dugout as he steps in the batter's box during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon)A look at what’s happening around the majors today:___DEADLINE DAYThe Juan Soto sweepstakes come down to the wire, with baseball's 6 p.m. EDT trade deadline fast approaching. WELCOME BACKNew York Mets ace Jacob deGrom finally returns from a string of injuries to make his season debut in Washington. The 40-year-old Molina, sidelined since June 16 with knee inflammation, has played only 38 games in his final major league season. Riley is hitting .301 with 29 home runs, 68 RBIs and a .964 OPS in 101 games this season.

The Juan Soto sweepstakes come down to the wire, with baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching at 6 p.m. EDT.

Mets deGrom Baseball New York Mets' Jacob deGrom pitches for triple-A Syracuse against Omaha in what could be his last minor league rehab outing before rejoining New York's rotation, in Syracuse, N.Y., Wednesday, July 27, 2022 (Scott Schild/The Post-Standard via AP) (Scott Schild)MIAMI — (AP) — New York Mets star Jacob deGrom will make his season debut against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, manager Buck Showalter said before a series finale against Miami. “The plans are for him to pitch Tuesday in Washington.”The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner has not pitched for the Mets since July 7, 2021. DeGrom has made four minor league rehab starts totaling 12 2/3 innings, two at Class A St. Lucie and two with Syracuse. “I think more than anything feeling for him and the emotions he’s going through,” Showalter said. You know how much he likes to compete and pitch.”DeGrom won consecutive Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019.

Starling Marte singled home the winning run in the ninth inning, and the New York Mets beat the crosstown Yankees 3-2 for a two-game sweep of their Subway Series.

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is finally ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment. “The plan right now if everything progresses well is to pitch for us next time," Mets manager Buck Showalter said. We'll see.”Last week, Showalter said if deGrom needed another rehab start after this one, then that's what the team would do. The 34-year-old right-hander hasn't appeared in a big league game since July 7, 2021. He's made four minor league rehab starts totaling 12 2/3 innings, two at Class A St. Lucie and two with Syracuse.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Mets ace Jacob deGrom pitched four innings Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse, finishing strong after a shaky start in what could be his last minor league rehab outing before rejoining New York's rotation. The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner could return to the Mets early next week in Washington. However, the Mets have not committed to that timeline — and manager Buck Showalter said if deGrom needs another rehab start after this one, then that's what the team will do. The 34-year-old right-hander hasn't appeared in a big league game since July 7, 2021. He's made four minor league rehab starts totaling 12 2/3 innings, two at Class A St. Lucie and two with Syracuse.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom pitched four innings Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse, finishing strong after a shaky start in what is expected to be his last minor league rehab outing before rejoining New York’s rotation.

Padres Mets Baseball New York Mets' Max Scherzer pitches during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the San Diego Padres on Friday, July 22, 2022, in New York. Scherzer (6-2, 2.28 ERA) faces the Yankees in the wrapup of this two-game Subway Series at Citi Field. DeGrom is scheduled to make what could be his final minor league rehab start when he pitches for Triple-A Syracuse. He has a 1.00 ERA over his past four starts and also pitched a scoreless inning at the All-Star Game. HEANEY RETURNSDodgers pitcher Andrew Heaney is set for just his fourth appearance this season due to lingering shoulder woes.

Mets star pitchers Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom are both set to start, albeit not in the same ballpark.

The players’ association has rejected what Major League Baseball called its final offer for an international draft, a move that will keep direct draft-pick compensation in place for free agents and likely limit the market for some older players.

Pete Alonso hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off Joe Musgrove and had four RBIs to retake the major league lead, leading the New York Mets over the San Diego Padres 8-5.

Major League Baseball made what was termed a “final offer” for an international draft, increasing proposed money for the first year in 2024 by $10 million to $191 million.

Mets-DeGrom Baseball FILE - New York Mets' Jacob deGrom delivers a pitch during the first inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is finally ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File) (Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK — (AP) — Mets ace Jacob deGrom will make at least one more minor league rehab start before rejoining New York's rotation. After that, if all goes well, he'll pitch for a minor league affiliate a few days later and then get slotted into the big league rotation. The right-hander has already made three minor league rehab starts totaling 8 2/3 innings.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom will make at least one more minor league rehab start before rejoining New York’s rotation.

Mets-DeGrom Baseball FILE - New York Mets' Jacob deGrom delivers a pitch during the first inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is finally ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File) (Frank Franklin II)PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — (AP) — New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is nearing a return from a stress reaction in his right scapula after throwing 60 pitches across five innings in a simulated game Thursday at the team's spring training complex. DeGrom has already made three minor league rehab starts, the most recent last Thursday for Triple-A Syracuse. The Mets haven't said if he'll make any more minor league starts before being activated.

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is nearing a return from a stress reaction in his right scapula after throwing 60 pitches across five innings in a simulated game Thursday at the team's complex in Florida.

Mets-DeGrom Baseball FILE - New York Mets' Jacob deGrom delivers a pitch during the first inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is finally ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File) (Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK — (AP) — Mets ace Jacob deGrom pushed back a simulated game scheduled for Tuesday after experiencing muscle soreness in his right shoulder. He made his third minor league rehab start last Thursday, pitching four innings of one-run ball for Triple-A Syracuse. The Mets say he played catch Monday and Tuesday before opting not to face hitters at the team's spring complex in Florida.

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom has pushed back a simulated game after experiencing muscle soreness in his right shoulder.

Max Scherzer pitched seven strong innings, Luis Guillorme homered and drove in two runs, and the New York Mets beat Max Fried and the Atlanta Braves 4-1 in the opening game of their National League East showdown.

The last time Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Kyle Gibson faced the St. Louis Cardinals, they hit four consecutive home runs off him in the first inning.

New York Mets ace Max Scherzer returns to a major league mound for the first time since May 18 when the NL East leaders play at Cincinnati on Tuesday night.

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom struck out five of the six batters he faced and threw 18 of 24 pitches for strikes Sunday night in his first minor league rehab start for Class A St. Lucie.

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout has struck out in seven straight at-bats during a tough series in Houston.

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is finally ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment.

Justin Verlander pitched two-hit ball for eight innings, light-hitting backup catcher Jason Castro lined a two-run homer in the ninth and the Houston Astros beat the Mets 2-0 to send New York to its first three-game losing streak this season.

Francisco Lindor homered after being surprised by his mom’s first visit to see him at Citi Field, Pete Alonso slugged a grand slam during an eventful sixth inning and the New York Mets beat the Miami Marlins 10-4.