Mets could reunite with fan-favorite pitcher?

Mar 26, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; The New York Mets logo stands in center field before the game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets may try to turn the page on their annus horribilis by bringing back an old fan favorite.

Team insider Mike Mayer of Metsmerized reports Tuesday that the Mets are showing interest in their former pitcher Seth Lugo. The 34-year-old Lugo is a free agent after spending last season with the San Diego Padres.

Lugo is still well-loved in The Big Apple. Fans have fond memories of Lugo, a Mets draft pick who pitched for the team from 2016-22, doing a little bit of everything for them. He began his career as a starter and eventually settled into a role as a multi-inning reliever, including during the Mets’ 101-win season in 2022.

These days, Lugo is back to operating as a starter, albeit one who doesn’t go extremely deep into games. He was 8-7 with a solid 3.57 ERA in 26 starts for the Padres last season.

That player profile could still work for the Mets, who have moved to a six-man rotation. But Lugo might not be the move for them if the Mets can land this fellow right-handed pitching target instead.

Update: Lugo has agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kansas City Royals, according to multiple reports.