The Mets entered this off-season with several holes to plug. One of the main areas needing attention was starting pitching, this specifically due to the Mets’ trio of free agent in Jacob deGrom, Chris Bassitt, and Taijuan Walker. After deGrom went to Texas, the need for the Mets and general manager Billy Eppler to make a splash escalated even higher.
Well, the Mets went above and beyond in doing so. The most recent evidence of such being the signing of Japanese star pitcher Kodai Senga. Given all this, how does their rotation currently project out? How has it all come together?
How It All Came Together
The Mets’ splash of free agent rotation moves started with the addition of future Hall of Fame starter, and top-of-the-market ace, Justin Verlander. New York brought in the nine-time All Star via a two-year deal, including a third-year vesting option, worth roughly $86 million. Verlander, who won the AL Cy Young award last year, instantly replaces deGrom and should give the Mets a two-headed monster they so desired for last year, with Verlander complimenting Scherzer at the top of the rotation.
Next up, the Mets made an under-the-radar signing in bringing in veteran José Quintana. Quintana had a career year split between the Pirates and Cardinals last season, as he posted a 2.93 ERA and 2.99 FIP. He projects out as the Mets’ either fourth or fifth starter at the bottom of the rotation with Carlos Carrasco.
Speaking of Carrasco, the Mets picked up his team option in the beginning of the off-season. They did so at a value of roughly $11 million as Carrasco’s option was worth $14 million, though, if the team declined it, there would have been a $3-million buy out, thus an overall value of $11 million. The 13-year veteran struggled at points last year, however, when it was all said and done turned in an excellent season for someone that projects to be the team’s fourth or fifth starter in 2023 (3.97 ERA and 3.53 FIP).
The last piece of the puzzle was added late Saturday night when the Mets came to an agreement with Japanese superstar Kodai Senga. The right-handed starter has acquired a plethora of different accolades while playing in Japan’s NPB. He also owns an impressive career 2.59 ERA across 11 seasons, and last year posted a career-best 1.94 ERA in 144 innings. New York was long-rumored to be involved with Senga, as the 29-year-old wished to sign with a contender. Well, with the rotation the Mets have assembled, his wish projects to be granted.
The reported deal with Senga is for five years and $70 million. Importantly, this deal, pending the re-signing of any of the other current Mets’ starters, finally gives the Mets someone in their rotation that will likely be there in three-plus years. Worth pointing out, the deal, which is worth $15 million per season, is cheaper than the monster four-year, $72-million deal the Phillies gave Taijuan Walker.
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2023 Rotation and Depth:
With all that being said, here is how the Mets’ 2023 rotation currently projects out:
- Max Scherzer
- Justin Verlander
- Kodai Senga
- José Quintana
- Carlos Carrasco
Important to note, the Mets also project to have terrific depth, if no trades are made. Starting pitching depth is all-so-important and an area New York has lacked in recent years.
David Peterson would project to be the first guy added to the rotation in event of injury. He had a strong year last season, with the only hiccups coming when he ran into control issues. Tylor Megill has also started games for the Mets the last couple seasons and former Marlins’ starting pitcher Elieser Hernández was brought in via trade. Lastly, Joey Lucchesi is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, but showed some great flashes as a starter when he was first acquired.
Final Thoughts
Not only do the Mets, on paper, project to have one of the best rotations in baseball. But, unlike in year’s past, they also have some terrific depth. Something that may be vital given the overall age of the rotation and the always inherent injury risk.
Regardless, applause to general manager Billy Eppler for understanding an area of weakness and pouncing. Thanks in large part to owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, the Mets have gone all out addressing and re-assembling what projects to be one of the best rotations in the major leagues. In doing so, they have also not jeopardized other areas of the team and have maintained terrific depth. Just terrific work all around.
