The Mets starting rotation has seemed set for quite some time, but that hasn't stopped general manager Brodie Van Wagenen from exploring the pitching market.
New York has maintained dialogue with Gio Gonzalez's camp throughout the offseason, according to the New York Post's Mike Puma.
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The 33-year-old remains the top starting pitcher still available in free agency behind Dallas Keuchel. Other veteran options include Doug Fister, Brett Anderson, Francisco Liriano and Ervin Santana, among others.
Gonzalez went 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.444 WHIP in 32 starts between the Nationals and Brewers last season. The veteran has dominated at Citi Field throughout his career, going 11-2 with a 1.75 ERA over 17 starts.
The Mets have a strong rotation of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz and Jason Vargas, but very little depth behind them.
The team prefers to keep Seth Lugo in the bullpen, leaving players such as Walker Lockett, Corey Oswalt and Hector Santiago as backup options for the rotation.
While Vargas struggled mightily to start the year, the veteran picked it up in the second half of the season. Over his final 11 starts, the 35-year-old went 5-3 with a 3.81 ERA and 1.123 WHIP. Vargas is set to make $8 million this season.
If Van Wagenen were to sign another proven starter, Vargas would shift to the bullpen and serve as rotation depth.