The Mets aren’t the only team talking with free agent pitcher Rick Porcello.

With MLB’s Winter Meetings set to get underway in San Diego on Monday, the Red Sox are showing interest a reunion with the durable right-hander and remain engaged in discussions, according to an industry source.

It’s unclear how aggressive the Sox will be in their pursuit, though an incentive-laden short-term deal could make sense for both sides.

The Red Sox’ top three starters, Chris Sale, David Price and Nathan Eovaldi, have combined to miss an average of nearly 30 starts per year over the last three years. Eduardo Rodriguez was the only reliable innings-eater in 2019, and the Sox are thin in depth at the position.

A report Saturday by SNY indicated there was mutual interest between the Mets and Porcello, a New Jersey native and former first-round draft pick. The Mets recently lost free agent starter Zack Wheeler, who signed for $118 million over six years with the Phillies, and have a more spacious ballpark to offer Porcello, who has averaged 32 home runs allowed over the last three years.

The soon-to-be 31-year-old is coming off his worst career season in which he finished with a 5.52 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. But the Sox have a deep understanding of his work ethic and clubhouse presence, and new pitching coach Dave Bush — who also once succeeded in the majors with below-average velocity — may be able to unlock the talent that earned Porcello a Cy Young Award in 2016.

In 11 big league seasons, Porcello has never missed extended time due to injury while averaging 31 starts per year. Related Articles The Red Sox’ Rick Porcello dilemma

Report: Rick Porcello, New York Mets could be a fit

MLB Trade Rumors projects a one-year, $11-million deal for Porcello, though that could be steep for the Sox, who are trying to cut around $30 million in payroll to get under the luxury tax threshold.

Back in May, Porcello told WEEI.com that he wanted to stay in Boston, but the Sox never offered him a contract.

“We expressed our willingness to take a discount to make that work,” Porcello said at the time. “Conceptually there were talks about it, but as the spring went on, economically they didn’t feel like it was going to fit. It pretty much kind of fizzled out and there were really no further talks beyond that. That’s pretty much it.”