WASHINGTON — Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel are still unemployed, and the Mets have needs for rotation and possible bullpen depth. Could there be a match?
According to an industry source, the Mets have remained in contact with Scott Boras, the agent for Keuchel, to gauge the former American League Cy Young Award winner’s interest. The Mets have also checked in on Kimbrel, who has been heavily linked to the Brewers in recent weeks.
Keuchel would give the Mets a dependable lefty who could displace Steven Matz or Jason Vargas in the rotation. The odds of the Mets adding Kimbrel would seem longer given the larger commitment it would likely take to land the All-Star closer. But at this point there is no indication discussions with Boras about Keuchel have become serious.
The Mets had continued to show interest in Gio Gonzalez — who is also represented by Boras — as spring training approached, but ultimately backed away from the left-hander, who subsequently signed with the Yankees.
At issue for the Mets is the lack of trusted options at Triple-A Syracuse if a starting pitcher is sidelined for an extended period. Corey Oswalt is probably the Mets’ top option, after a solid spring training. Other rotation possibilities would include Walker Lockett, Hector Santiago and Chris Flexen. Team officials have bristled at the idea of moving Seth Lugo or Robert Gsellman to the rotation and weakening the bullpen.


