Mets interested in Corey Kluber

Fresh off the finalization of the much-debated and painfully drawn out acquisition of Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano from the Seattle Mariners last night come signs that the Mets and new GM Brodie Van Wagenen intend to do their best to keep active this offseason.

Mark Feinsand reports that, after initially speaking with the Cleveland Indians about Yan Gomes before he was traded to the Nationals, the Mets are still engaging with the Indians about their ace, Corey Kluber. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has also been linked to the Dodgers via trade rumors this offseason.

Kluber, who will turn 33 shortly after Opening Day 2019, was 20-7 with a 2.89 ERA last year. He placed third in the American League Cy Young voting, while putting up his fifth consecutive season above 5 WAR (5.9 bWAR/5.6 fWAR). He is on an incredibly team-friendly contract, slated to earn $13 million in 2019, with team options for 2020 and 2021 at $13.5 and $14 million, respectively (update: with escalators thanks to his Cy Young finishes Kluber will earn a still-reasonable $17 million in 2019, with options at $17.5 and $18 million the following years).