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New York Mets: Assembling the Rotation in 2016

By Stephen Conway

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The New York Mets have clinched the NL East division for the first time since 2006. While New York is in great position to make a deep post-season run, it is never to early to think about next year, especially when team developments this year have a direct impact for next years roster.

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To be real, we are only talking about one spot, the fifth spot. Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Steven Matz are all locks in the rotation, assuming they are all healthy. However, the order is up for debate. For much of the season, due to Harvey’s inning limitations and coming off Tommy John Surgery, deGrom has served as the “ace”. Is Harvey still the number one on this rotation. Yes he is. However, does New York keep deGrom one and Harvey two given the success this year? Who knows, but thats for a different article.

Another factor to consider is the return of Zack Wheeler from Tommy John surgery. Wheeler has shown promise in his two-year stint in the majors, but how will he bounce back? Harvey responded exceptionally well after surgery, but that is not always the case. Wheeler, who had been mentioned in trade talks during the July trade deadline, as quite an arm, as every other pitcher on this staff. Add the hard throwing Wheeler to the mix, will only add to the hardest throwing pitching staff in the majors.

How about Logan Verrett? Verrett is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA with three starts and nine appearances from the bullpen. Verrett has been the consistent spot starter for New York over the past few weeks, and is likely to get at least one more start before the postseason. Does the 25-year-old get the shot to top off this star studded rotation?

Now, lets consider the ol’ vets. Bartolo Colon, and Jonath0n Niese have been extremely serviceable for New York over the years. Especially Colon, who has been nothing but solid and an innings eater for the Metropolitans. Colon is 14-13 this year, although he started off 8-0, and has logged 193 innings thus far. Niese is 9-10, with a 4.17 ERA. Niese has not been consistent this year, but when he’s on, he’s on. Both pitchers are expected to move to the bullpen for the playoffs, but does one of them make the starting rotation next year?

Finally, you have Rafael Montero, who has bounced around between Triple-A and the majors, and has battled injuries. The young slinger has shown promise, but not consistent enough to solidify a spot on the major league roster. There is also some debate about moving him to the pen. What to do?

Its a toss up. And quite frankly, too early to think about. But, its an intriguing conversation, and as developments occur with the current pitching staff, makes next years rotation all the more interesting to pan out.

Next: What was the most impactful trade made by the Mets in the last 20 years?

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