Reasons Why Mets May Not Make Another Starting Pitching Move
The New York Mets would appear to have a starting rotation, at least on paper. But they could be looking for more. Or not.
One report on Monday, filed by MLB.com, indicated that the Mets are looking to add more starting pitching via trade. The word they report used was “actively.”
That’s after the Mets signed Sean Manaea over the weekend, giving them a projected starting rotation of Kodai Senga, José Quintana, Luis Severino and Adrian Houser.
Now, could the Mets truly be interested in adding a starting pitcher via trade? Sure. But there may actually be good reason to wait.
The Athletic reported the same day of MLB.com’s report that the Mets aren’t looking to add more starting pitching this offseason, unless it’s a “depth” move.
The reason for that could be indicative of how the Mets have set up their current rotation beyond 2024.
Quintana, Severino and Houser are all free agents after the season. Manaea’s contract is for two years but it includes an opt-out.
So the only starter guaranteed to return for the Mets in 2025 is Senga, who is on a five-year contract.
That gives the Mets a tremendous amount of flexibility in how they build their rotation for 2025, when they hope to be in the mix again in the NL East.
The Mets could tap into a farm system that has some quality arms, including Mike Vasil, Blake Tidwell and Tyler Stuart. They could go all-in with three starters that helped them late last year but are still on the young side — Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi and José Butto.
It could also put the Mets in hunt mode next offseason when there is potential for a solid crop of free agents to hit the market, including Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Shane Bieber, Walker Buehler Zack Wheeler, Nathan Eovaldi and even Max Scherzer.
Burnes would be an immediate connection for the Mets as he plays for Milwaukee and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns led the Brewers for several seasons.
The Mets could still make a move, as MLB.com reported. But if they don’t, then there’s a reason why. The Mets would be playing a longer game to get ready for 2025.
