The Mets and former Red Sox starter Rick Porcello have mutual interest in coming to terms on a contract, according to SNY’s Matthew Cerrone. It’s unclear if the sides have seriously discussed an agreement.

Porcello, who spent the last five years with the Red Sox, is unlikely to return to Boston after posting a 14-12 record and 5.52 ERA in 32 starts last season. Cerrone reports that the veteran free agent is looking for a multiyear deal on the open market, further decreasing the chances he returns to a Boston club looking to slash payroll this winter to get under the $208 million competitive balance tax threshold.

New York has a clear rotation need now that righty Zack Wheeler is reportedly headed to the Phillies and could slot Porcello in behind Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz. Porcello is a New Jersey native, so pitching for the Mets would give him the opportunity to pitch near his home.

The starting pitching market is starting to move in advance of next week’s Winter Meetings. Two veteran starters, Wheeler -- who agreed to a five-year, $118 million deal with the Phillies -- and lefty Cole Hamels -- who signed a one-year, $18 million pact with the Braves -- came off the board Wednesday.