It was just reported by Joel Sherman, baseball columnist for the New York Post and MLB Network Insider, that the New York Mets are meeting with Carlos Rodon today over Zoom.
Along with his update, Sherman also shared that the Mets are still “in information gathering” when it comes to figuring out whether or not they should spend big-time dollars on a prime starter. And from there, whether they go the route of Rodon, Jacob deGrom, or Justin Verlander. Sherman stated that the feeling he gets is that the Mets do sense the need to come away with one of the three to have at the top of their starting rotation with Max Scherzer for their World Series hopes.
While things here are far from a guarantee, it is promising to see the Mets starting out by showing interest in a difference-maker.
- Mets lose surging third baseman to a hamstring injury
- The Mets have reacquired a reliever they recently designated for assignment
- Mets win third straight after silencing Pirates in final 3 innings
What Carlos Rodon would provide to the Mets:
Rodon offers far better youth at this point in time than deGrom and Verlander. Considering the Mets invested a ton into someone of Scherzer’s age a year ago, it is logical to see why this time around, going young could be their preference.
The talent of Rodon as a former third-overall draft pick has always been there. Durability was an issue throughout a few of his first six years pitching in the bigs. That being said, over the last two years, Rodon has changed that narrative, starting in 55 games.
Since his 24 start season in 2021, Rodon has also happened to pitch at a dominant level. He posted by far a career-best ERA of 2.37, which he followed up in 2022 with a 2.88. Rodon also set career-bests in terms of wins each of the last two years, with 13 in 2021 and then 14 this last season.
The youth, talent, and recent pedigree of the left-hander make him a more than viable option for the Mets at this time.
While keeping deGrom should and could very well be the Mets’ top priority when it comes to starting pitching, Rodon has to be in their plans as a primary backup. Early on in the process, it is encouraging to see the Mets acting so swiftly.