Mets Rumors: Doug Fister An Option For Pitching Depth
New York Mets Rumors: Starting pitching depth is a surprising need and the Mets could look to Doug Fister to fill that role.
Recent New York Mets rumors have revolved around their pitching depth, mainly the starting rotation. The Mets have an embarrassment of riches in the form of starting pitchers. But, the depth of the rotation is already being tested in just the first week of the regular season.
Throughout Spring Training the Mets were evaluating and holding a competition for their starting rotation. They had multiple players returning from injury, so there were spots open. But, the competition slowed down once injuries arose again.
Steven Matz and Seth Lugo both began experiencing elbow problems the final week of Spring Training. Matz had a tender left elbow, which the Mets say there is no structural damage in. Lugo has a partially torn UCL, shelving him for a few weeks.
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With those two players sidelined, the Mets will turn to Robert Gsellman and Zack Wheeler to round out their rotation. Wheeler returned to the mound for the first time since 2014, missing the last two seasons because of Tommy John surgery. Gsellman was a surprise as a rookie last season and is a sleeper in the Mets otherwise loaded rotation.
With two injuries already occurring, the Mets once deep starting rotation is thin. As a result, they could be looking outside the organization to add some depth. One player to keep an eye on is Doug Fister.
According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Mets have looked into signing Fister. Along with Colby Lewis and C.J. Wilson, Fister is probably the best pitcher available on the open market. But, the Mets have a full rotation at the major league level, which Heyman notes could be a sticking point. Fister wants a major league deal, something the Mets are unlikely to
But, the Mets have a full rotation at the major league level, which Heyman notes could be a sticking point. Fister wants a major league deal, something the Mets are unlikely to provide at this time.
Fister would be a good addition depth wise for the Mets. He has been solid in his career, with a record of 77-76, a 3.60 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in his career with the Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and Houston Astros.
General manager Sandy Alderson has admitted that the team is ‘sniffing around’ for rotation help according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. For as talented as the Mets rotation is on paper, the Mets know they will need to add some insurance with some pitchers being on limits to begin the season.
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The Mets have a loaded top of the rotation with Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, and Matt Harvey. But, deGrom and Harvey are both coming off injured plagued 2016 seasons, as both ended the season on the disabled list. Add in Wheeler returning from a two-year absence and Gsellman beginning his first full season in the major leagues, adding depth is a must.