The Mets reportedly have another pitcher they want to keep

While the New York Mets are focused on trying to retain right-handed and two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom this offseason, or potentially finding a replacement in Justin Verlander or Carlos Rodon if deGrom walks, the team is reportedly focused in trying to retain another durable starter.

According to SNY, the television home of the Mets, the team has expressed interest in trying to re-sign veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt.

The right-handed market is reportedly heating up ahead of the Winter Meetings.

The 34-year-old started 30 games for the Mets in 2022 after being acquired from the Oakland Athletics along with outfielder Mark Canha.

Bassitt won 15 games and posted a 3.42 ERA in 181.2 innings of work.

According to reports, the Mets would like to have Chris Bassitt back in New York.

Their market is heating up ahead of the Winter Meetings: https://t.co/DAVBeNC6B9 pic.twitter.com/lQNfbAQ26c

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) November 30, 2022

Mets hope to re-sign Bassitt

Keeping Bassitt would be a good move for the Mets, especially if deGrom walks.

Bassitt could potentially be seen as a fallback option should the Mets lose their ace in free agency.

The Texas Rangers approached deGrom.

But Bassitt is a quality veteran arm and someone who can give the Mets the innings they need.

A top two combination of Bassitt and ace Max Scherzer would still be pretty deadly, though having Bassitt and deGrom back to partner Scherzer would be ideal for New York.

The Mets won 101 games during the regular season, narrowly missing out on their first NL East title since 2015.

New York fell short to the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series.

But with money to burn, the Mets can probably afford to keep both Bassitt and deGrom, while looking elsewhere in case the latter leaves.