Details about the '21 deadline emerge, and Stearns’ first test
Details about the '21 deadline emerge, and Stearns’ first test
Former GM Zack Scott opens up about the 2021 trade for Javier Báez. Plus, how will David Stearns address the Mets starting rotation?
What’s Up with the Mets? 🍎
Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso both garnered NL MVP votes, though neither came close to winning the award
Former Mets GM Zack Scott expanded on some of the behind the scenes workings at the 2021 trade deadline (Zack Scott)
Rumor Mill 💭
The Reds are discussing Jonathan India in trade discussions with multiple teams (Morosi)
Astros outfielder Jake Meyers has been a popular name in trade conversations (Morosi)
Fixing the Mets rotation is Stearns’ first big test ✍️
It’s certainly no secret that the glaring hole in the hull that caused the 2023 Mets to continually take on water was their starting rotation. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer underachieved and failed to stay healthy, Jose Quintana missed the entirety of the first half, and Carlos Carrasco simply looked cooked.
Both David Peterson and Tylor Megill had spent considerable time making regular starts for this team in past seasons, but neither took advantage of their opportunities in 2023.
Outside of Kodai Senga, who was unquestionably the biggest bright spot for a Mets team that didn’t have nearly enough of them, the pitching staff was an unmitigated disaster.
Heading into 2024 Senga sits firmly atop the club’s rotation and will be in line to start on opening day. Quintana threw well when he returned from his injury and ideally will provide the team with a consistent and productive presence in the middle of the rotation. Beyond that, though, this pitching staff has more questions than answers.
Sure, Joey Lucchesi pitched well in his limited opportunities, and young righty Jose Butto did make some solid starts in September and Megill is… well, he’s here. But it would be overwhelmingly difficult for the Mets to realistically count on any of the three.
This club needs outside additions, and Stearns could have to get creative to make it happen. Everyone knows by now that the Mets are extremely interested in Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto who should be posted any day. Obviously they had tremendous success in the Japanese market a winter ago, and adding Yamomoto would have the potential to give the Mets a legitimate number one ace in his prime. Even if they succeed in luring him to Queens, however, the job won’t be done.
The rest of the free-agent market includes intriguing names like Aaron Nola, Lucas Giolito, Sonny Gray, Blake Snell and Corey Kluber — though some of those names are attached to qualifying offers. The Mets have deep pockets, but may prefer not to simply use dollars to plug their holes, and the trade market could offer some interesting ideas. Veteran righties Tyler Glasnow and Corbin Burnes could both potentially be available this winter, and both pitchers would be welcome additions to a Mets team in need of exactly what they can provide.
Regardless of which one these names listed above — or even others that aren’t — David Stearns chooses to bring in, how this rotation performs will be the first real reflection of his aptitude. Let’s hope he aces the test. Pun most certainly intended.
Hot Stove 🔥
Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. were named the AL and NL MVP award winners
The A’s pending move to Oakland is officially official after unanimously passing the owners’ vote (Nightengale)
Atlanta will host the 2025 all-star game (Passan)