Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

After struggling to keep runs off the board last season, it was clear the New York Mets needed to make some significant changes to their starting rotation this offseason, as they couldn’t afford to open next season without adding at least one impact starter.

Though the process took several months to complete, the front office finally addressed the pitching staff and was able to acquire one of the top hurlers available through trade. Along with landing shortstop Francisco Lindor, which is a major accomplishment in itself, management also received pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a package of Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario, Josh Wolf, and Isaiah Greene.

Following this blockbuster trade, the Mets’ rotation is now expected to consist of Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, David Peterson, Steven Matz, and Carrasco. In addition, pitchers like Seth Lugo, Corey Oswalt, and potentially Robert Gsellman could also compete for the final spot in that group when spring training rolls around.

But considering Matz – who posted a 9.68 ERA and a 7.76 FIP through just 30 2/3 innings in 2020 – was demoted to the bullpen multiple times last season, it’d probably be wise for general manager Jared Porter and his staff to acquire someone capable of providing some much-needed length at the back of their rotation.

Since there are still several holes on this roster that need to be addressed, it’d also be very beneficial if this pitcher came at a very team-friendly price.

So who should the Mets target for this role?

Well, there are certainly a ton of options still available in free agency, but someone like Gio Gonzalez, 35, could be perfectly suited to join this team. Since he nearly signed with the Mets back in 2019 and would be reunited with catcher James McCann – who caught him throughout last season – there’d likely be plenty of mutual interest to make this transaction come to fruition.

Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Though he’s inching toward the end of his career, the left-hander can still perform at a reasonably high level and there’s a strong chance he’d be able to bring some stability to the club’s pitching staff. Considering the veteran hurler has compiled at least 150 innings in nine of his last 11 seasons, that type of reliability would certainly be a welcomed addition to this organization next season.

While Gonzalez has remained relatively healthy through the majority of his career, the lack of a full and uninterrupted spring training prevented him from staying on the mound during the 2020 campaign, as he was plagued by a nagging shoulder injury and also sustained a groin injury midway through the summer.

Unfortunately, being placed on the injured list multiple times didn’t allow the former Chicago White Sox to get into any sort of rhythm, which negatively impacted his limited results and ultimately caused him to lose his starting role.

Over his 31 2/3 innings, the two-time All-Star produced a 4.83 ERA, 5.54 xERA, 5.50 FIP, 4.80 xFIP, 112 ERA-, 1.86 WHIP, .303 AVG, .370 BABIP, 22.2% strikeout rate, 12.4% walk rate (highest since rookie season), 27.8% LD rate, 42.3% GB rate, 29.9% FB rate, 7.1% barrel rate, 32.7% hard-hit rate, and a -0.1 fWAR rating.

Despite these concerning metrics, things weren’t entirely disappointing for Gonzalez last season, as he was still able to enjoy a ton of success with both his low-80s changeup and mid-70s curveball. If not for the struggles he endured with his low-90s fastball, which allowed a .410 AVG, .365 xAVG, .538 SLG, .557 xSLG, .475 wOBA, and a .451 xwOBA, there’s a strong chance the soft-throwing lefty would’ve performed very effectively.

Starting with Gonzalez’s changeup, which is his primary offering, it doesn’t necessarily generate plenty of vertical or horizontal movement, although it makes up for that by creating a ton of spin. Utilizing its full potential, the former first-round pick’s primary off-speed pitch recorded a 98% active spin percentage in 2020, which was the third-highest percentage among all pitchers who threw at least 100 changeups.

Thanks to its deceiving spin rotation, it finished tied for allowing the fourth-lowest xwOBA (.217), the seventh-lowest xAVG (.177), the ninth-lowest xSLG (.267), the 12th-lowest AVG (.184), tied for the 12th-lowest hard-hit rate (23.5%), and tied for the 15th-lowest SLG (.306) among all pitchers who faced at least 50 batters last season. Additionally, it also generated the eighth-highest whiff rate (41.5%) as well.

As for Gonzalez’s curveball, which he utilized 19% of the time in 2020, it also generates a ton of spin but also creates plenty of vertical and horizontal movement. Even though it took a minor step backward regarding its movements last season, the Flordia native’s primary strikeout weapon still averaged 61.3 inches of drop (decreased by 5.6 inches from 2019), 11.9 inches of break, and also created an 87% active spin percentage.

In comparison to the rest of the league, the Monsignor Edward Pace HS standout’s curveball finished tied with the 12th-highest active spin percentage, the 20th-highest average inches of drop, and the 27th-highest average inches of break among all pitchers who threw at least 100 breaking balls.

As a result of these impressive spin rotations, it surrendered just a .182 AVG, .191 xAVG, .364 SLG, .361 xSLG, .263 wOBA, .263 xwOBA, and a 27.3% hard-hit rate. In addition, it also induced a 45.8% strikeout rate (highest among all of his pitches), 45.2% whiff rate, and a 31.3% chase rate.

If Gonzalez can stay healthy throughout next season, then he shouldn’t have any issues bouncing back during his 14th campaign in the major leagues, especially since both his changeup and curveball were extremely dominant in 2020.

While it’d be unfair to expect him to throw at least 180 innings and post a sub-3.00 ERA, which he accomplished in both 2012 and 2017, compiling around 120 innings and producing a sub-4.00 ERA should definitely be in his range.

From the Mets’ perspective, if they can sign him close to what he made last season, which was $4.5 million, the former Washington National could prove to be extremely useful next season. Though he’d likely start in the rotation, the veteran hurler does feature some prior experience as a reliever, meaning he could be moved to the bullpen once pitcher Noah Syndergaard returns from his Tommy John surgery.

While acquiring Gonzalez surely wouldn’t grab the attention of the fan base, there’s no question he could help improve New York’s rotation even further, which could serve as a major strength for this team moving forward.

The post Opinion: Gio Gonzalez Would Fit Perfectly With Mets appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Robinson Cano told reporters that his MRI results came back clean and that he can be considered day-to-day.

When asked about his hand he said it “feels good.” Also when asked about his eventual return he said, “I would say maybe one day, two days.”

Gio Gonzalez hit Cano with a pitch on his left hand in the first inning of Sunday’s game between the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. Cano’s hit by pitch marked the 17th time this season that a Met has been hit by the opposing pitcher. That number is second most in MLB behind the Chicago Cubs (20).

The 36-year-old second baseman is slashing .360/407/.540 with one home run, six RBIs and four runs scored in his last 50 at-bats.

The post Robinson Cano’s MRI Comes Back Clean appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Gio Gonzalez spoke to reporters at Citi Field before tonight’s game between the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, and told reporters that his final decision came between the two teams facing off Saturday at Citi Field as noted by David Lennon of Newsday.

The left-hander said that the reason he picked the Brewers was that he believed they offered him a better opportunity.

Gonzalez, 33, agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with an additional $2 million in incentives on Wednesday with the Brewers. That came only a few days after he exercised his opt-out in his contract with the New York Yankees on April 20, as the team chose not to add him to their 25-man roster on that date.

Many were hoping that the Mets would sign Gonzalez to replace Jason Vargas in the rotation, but that did not come to fruition and the Florida native is now set to start against the Mets Sunday at Citi Field, where he has a career 1.75 ERA.

In 2018, Gonzalez pitched for both the Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers in which he went 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 1.444 WHIP, and 148 strikeouts in 32 starts (171 innings pitched).

The post Gio Gonzalez: My Decision Came Down To Brewers and Mets appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

I am joined by Rich Mancuso of NY Sports Day. We discuss the ridiculous suspension of Jacob Rhame, why the Mets didn’t sign Gio Gonzalez, and the impact going forward.

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Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to a one-year, $2MM deal with starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez. Rosenthal had previously tabbed the Brewers as “the front-runner” in the sweepstakes, with Mike Puma of the New York Post adding that the Mets were “a longshot” to sign him. ‘

Per Rosenthal, Gonzalez may have been deterred by the option of pitching with the Mets due to the possibility that he would have needed to pitch in relief. It’s worth noting that there has not been any indication that New York even made him an offer.

Gonzalez, 33, was signed to a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees this past offseason, but exercised his opt-out clause and was released by the organization on Monday after the team chose not to purchase his contract. In three starts with their Triple-A affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the lefty allowed 10 earned runs in 15 innings while striking out 19 and walking six. Excluding a rough eight-run debut, Gonzalez has averaged 14.7 K/9 against 2.5 BB/9 to go with a 1.64 ERA.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com had described the Mets’ interest in Gonzalez as “more curious than fervent,” adding that they were “skeptical” despite also “kicking the tires.” The organization’s skepticism likely stems from the 4.57 ERA and 4.3 BB/9 that soured his final year as a Washington National. His 2.13 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in five starts with the Brewers (who initially acquired him at the twilight of August waivers) were more encouraging, however, and his 283 starts since 2010 are the fifth-most in the majors.

Since 2014, his 0.76 HR/9 is the second-lowest among big-league left-handers (behind none other than Clayton Kershaw), and his 15.3 fWAR ranks 19th – beating out the likes of J.A. Happ, Patrick Corbin, and Marcus Stroman.

Though he falls short in most categories relative to the 2015 AL Cy Young winner and still-free agent Dallas Keuchel, there’s no doubt that the Mets could have benefited from Gonzalez’s services at the back of the rotation. Their 5.09 ERA – though on the mend thanks to a pair of encouraging starts from Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler, remains the second-worst figure in the National League, and the struggles from Jason Vargas (9.58 ERA, 7.76 FIP, an average of just over three innings per start among some grossly bottom-tier Statcast rankings) have played a significant role.

The post MLB News: Brewers Agree to Deal with Gio Gonzalez appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports is reporting that, as per sources, the New York Mets are showing interest in recently released left-hander Gio Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, 33, was granted his released from the New York Yankees on Monday after the team declined to add him to their active 25-man roster.

The 11-year MLB vet has pitched to a 3.69 earned-run average with a 3.63 fielding independent pitching rating, 1.316 WHIP, and a 2.30 strikeouts-to-walks ratio over 313 career appearances (307 starts).

After spending seven seasons with the Nationals (3.62 ERA, 3.45 FIP, 1.283 WHIP, 2.51 K/BB over 213 starts), Gonzalez was shipped to the Milwaukee Brewers at the waiver deadline (August 31), where he owned a 2.13 ERA over five starts with the eventual NL Central champs.

With Jason Vargas‘ struggles accentuating the Mets’ rotational issues as a whole early on, a shake-up could be due.

We’ll keep you posted as any new information becomes available.

The post Mets “Inquiring” About Free Agent SP Gio Gonzalez appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez has officially opted out of his deal with the New York Yankees after the team didn’t promote him to the major league team.

Gonzalez, 33, has been connected to the Mets in the past and as recently as this winter.

The longtime National has had well documented success at Citi Field, and with the team struggling on the pitching front, signing him could inject some life into the staff.

Original post – April 20, 10:24 a.m.

According to Sweeny Murti of WFAN, veteran starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez will be exercising his opt-out clause with the New York Yankees on Saturday. The Yankees will now have a decision to make in the next 48 hours as to whether or not to add him to their major league roster or grant him his release.

Gonzalez was 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA through his three minor league starts in the Yankees system. After struggling in his first start surrendering 8 runs, the lefty has only given up two over his previous two starts.

It was first reported on Friday night that the Mets would be scouting Gonzalez’s fourth start in Buffalo, but the game was postponed due to weather. Despite opting out, he will still make his start tonight.

With the level of seriousness still unknown on Jacob deGrom‘s elbow with his MRI scheduled for Monday, he will most likely miss his next two starts due to the fact that he was placed on the 10-day I.L. Gonzalez could be a candidate to come in and be inserted into the Mets rotation as a temporary filler in deGrom’s absence.

If deGrom’s elbow checks out OK and he returns to the team in nine days, Gonzalez could potentially replace the struggling Jason Vargas, who failed to go five innings for the second straight start last night.

Not only would picking up Gonzalez be a cheap and viable option, but the team wouldn’t have to break the bank and overpay for a Dallas Keuchel. This move makes even more sense after Gonzalez recently just left agent Scott Boras for the CAA agency, where Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen used to be employed prior to this season.

While it is still too early to hit the panic button on deGrom, the Mets need to make a move to bring in a starting pitcher to their struggling rotation. Gio could buy the Mets some time if deGrom were only to miss his next few starts.

If deGrom winds up needing surgery, the Mets still have the chance to save their season, but they’ll have to pony up and add both Gio and Keuchel to salvage their rotation without their true ace.

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The Mets will be scouting the Triple-A start tonight by Gio Gonzalez according to Andy Martino of SNY. The veteran left-hander is pitching against Buffalo Bisons and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that Gonzalez plans to opt-out of his deal with the Yankees if not added to the MLB roster on Saturday. Feinsand notes that the Yankees do not seemingly plan to add him.

Original Post – April 19, 12:41 p.m.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Yankees’ starter Gio Gonzalez has switched from being represented by Scott Boras to being represented by Creative Arts Agency, which has several deep ties within the Mets organization including their new GM, Brodie Van Wagenen.

Jeff Passan of ESPN is reporting that there’s an increasing sense that Gonzalez plans opting out of his deal with the Yankees.

Gonzalez, 32, was signed to a minor league deal by the Yankees in March. His contract included an opt-out if he was not in the Major Leagues by April 20. Gonzalez has been in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In three starts, he is 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA over fifteen innings, but has allowed only two earned runs and struck out 18 in 11 innings in his last two starts.

Gonzalez went 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA last season, but posted a 2.13 ERA down the stretch for the Brewers in a playoff race. Gio has made eight career post-season starts, and two in the NLCS (with Milwaukee, of course).

Gonzalez would make a lot of sense for the Mets, especially with the struggles of Jason Vargas. A tie to CAA strengthens the Mets connection for Gonzalez, considering that the Mets currently employs numerous players represented by CAA including two of their highest paid players, Robinson Cano and Yoenis Cespedes. Both of whom had their contracts negotiated by Van Wagenen.

Obviously, the Yankees can just promote Gonzalez (or work out another deal) and he stays in the Bronx, but if he chooses to opt-out, the ties with the Mets run deeper than they will with any other team.

The post MLB News: Mets Scouting Gio Tonight appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Yankees have agreed to a minor league deal with former Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez. Jon Heyman of MLB Network was the first to report that the deal was close.

The contract contains a $3 million base salary if he reaches the majors, per Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic. Rosenthal also noted that the deal includes an April 20 opt-out, along with incentives for games started. It can be assumed that Gonzalez will miss the beginning of the season due to the fact that he has missed 3/4ths of spring training so far.

The 33-year-old lefty is coming off a solid year, where he split time with the Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers. In 32 starts the southpaw posted a 4.21 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 1.444 WHIP to go along with a 10-11 record.

Although these stats do not exactly jump out at you, he finished off his 2018 campaign strong by going 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA, 3.63 FIP, and 0.947 WHIP in his last five starts. His strong pitching down the stretch helped propel the Brewers to the NL Central Division title.

With exactly ten days until the Bronx Bomber’s regular season home opener, Gonzalez should be ready by the second or third week. The veteran lefty now provides insurance in the Yankee rotation, who will be without their ace Luis Severino (expected back in May) and lefty starter CC Sabathia to start the 2019 season.

The post MLB News: Yankees Sign Gio Gonzalez To Minor League Deal appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

According to Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports, the New York Yankees have “made an offer” to free agent left-hander Gio Gonzalez, but as per Heyman, there seems to be a financial gap holding up an agreement.

“Not a great deal of optimism at the moment,” Heyman tweeted. “But at least there’s at least reason to think both sides might want to come together [on an agreement].”

Gonzalez, 33, pitched to a 4.21 earned-run average with 1.444 WHIP, a 4.16 fielding independent pitching rating, 148 strikeouts, and 80 walks over 32 starts (171 innings) between the Washington Nationals and the Milwaukee Brewers.

After the August 31 trade to Milwaukee, the Florida native owned a 3-0 win-loss record with a 2.13 ERA over five starts with the Brewers.

Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has stuck to his guns regarding potentially adding another starting pitcher via free agency this offseason, continuously expressing confidence in his current starting rotation.

The group of reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom (3.75 ERA in 12 innings), Noah Syndergaard (1.88 ERA in 14.1 innings), Zack Wheeler (2.25 ERA in 12 innings), Steven Matz (10.97 ERA in 10.2 innings), and Jason Vargas (3.65 ERA) have been mostly encouraging in Spring Training.

Though another viable option could never hurt, especially at the price Gonzalez would likely be forced to sign for at this point in the process.

The post MLB News: Yankees Made Offer to Gio Gonzalez appeared first on Metsmerized Online.