For the New York Mets offseason, the first order of business was executed just a few hours ago. The team was able to reach on a needed deal with prized starting pitcher, Justin Verlander. He fills the concern had at the top of the starting rotation following Jacob deGrom’s signing with the Rangers.
Now, the Mets can feel comfortable with the top of their starting pitching remaining dominant with the one-two punch of former teammates Verlander and Max Scherzer.
Beyond them, there is still a need for one more quality arm to be added, and the Mets have reportedly been busy to address it.
- Mets’ Adrian Houser suffers second poor start in 10-0 loss to Dodgers
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Mets interested in multiple middle of the rotation free agent starting pitchers:
Last week, it was reported by Andy Martino of SNY that the Mets knew they needed both an ace and a mid-rotation starter. Among those in the “mid-level” category, per Martino, were Andrew Heaney, Kyle Gibson, Taijuan Walker, Ross Stripling, Jose Quintana, and Kodai Senga. There was also buzz a week ago that the Mets are hopeful that Chris Bassitt comes back.
Recently, it seems Jameson Taillon has garnered extremely strong interest from the Mets. The team supposedly made a “serious run” at trying to finalize a deal, per Martino. Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Mets are one of the many teams “in on” Taillon’s market. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com shared that the Mets are one of four teams “to watch” in his deep market.
It is encouraging to see the Mets aggressively working to keep their rotation a clear-cut strength. At the moment, they have Verlander as their top starter, with Scherzer second. The team brought back Carlos Carrasco this offseason, who is a solid fourth starter. They also have some youth in David Peterson and Tylor Megill, who could round out the rotation. All they need is a good third starter to keep this starting pitching staff one of the best.
The great thing, along with the Mets reported considerable interest in a third starter, is that there is quality depth on the market for them to get it done. Whether it’s keeping Walker or Bassitt or adding Senga, Taillon, or Heaney, the Mets will have a favorable opportunity to complete this rotation with the last need it has.