New York Mets rumors: Dellin Betances’ tug-o-war, Rick Porcello, the rotation and more!

New York Yankees, New York Mets, Dellin Betances
Jun 24, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yasnkees pitcher Dellin Betances (68) looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets are reportedly looking to improve their bullpen. They are keeping an eye on Yankees’ castoff Dellin Betances, who missed almost all of 2019 with lat, shoulder, and Achilles issues. The chances of a signing are looking slim now, however.

The offense looks set, as does the starting rotation. An improvement in center field is also in the cards, but it is not a pressing need.

Teams have been sniffing around the Mets’ roster, and have asked about Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and others. The club, however, will most likely keep the two building blocks.

Barring a high-profile acquisition for a center fielder or a J.D. Davis or Dominic Smith trade, the Mets’ roster figures to have only minor tweaks from now on.

Here are the New York Mets’ news and rumors of the day:

Jon Heyman: Dellin Betances, a Mets’ free agent target this offseason, is now unlikely to sign with the team, per Heyman. Going into the night, New York and Philadelphia were the most “prominent” suitors, but it looks like the Phillies may be in pole position now.

Jon Heyman: Additionally, Heyman reports that Betances is looking to sign a one-year deal in the $10 million range. The only reason why Betances is seeking a short-term deal is because he was injured for most of the 2019 season. However, from 2014 to 2022, he was among the most dominant relievers in baseball with a 2.22 ERA.

Anthony DiComo: Rick Porcello, the latest high-profile free-agent signing of the New York Mets, was introduced yesterday. In his conference call, he said that “this is a big deal for me. I grew up a lifelong Mets fan as a kid. To get the opportunity to play for the organization that I cheered on for so many years is a huge honor.”

Devan Fink: The Mets’ rotation is now among the deepest in baseball. The group has Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, Steven Matz, Michael Wacha, and Rick Porcello.

Here are the best rotations in baseball, according to 2020 projected WAR:

  1. Nationals — 19.2
  2. Yankees — 19.1
  3. Mets — 18.1
  4. Rays — 17.2
  5. Dodgers — 16.5
  6. Reds — 16.5*
  7. Astros — 16.0
  8. Rangers — 15.7
  9. Indians — 15.3
  10. Red Sox — 14.6