New York Mets: Best rotation and bullpen for 2018
The 2018 season for the New York Mets hinges on one thing. It’s a matter of how well their pitching does.
Is this the final realization of Generation K for the New York Mets that never materialized in the 90s, as Alan Schechter of Empire Writes Back wrote? Only time will tell that story.
That said, it’s up to new manager Mickey Callaway to massage this pitching staff to limit injuries and get the best out of them at the same time.
The rotation should be as follows:
1. Noah Syndergaard
2. Jacob deGrom
3. Matt Harvey
4. Steven Matz
5. Seth Lugo
That would leave their bullpen as: AJ Ramos, Robert Gsellman, Jerry Blevins, Jeurys Familia, Jacob Rhame, Anthony Swarzak, and Jason Vargas. How does Callaway navigate the season, though?
He needs to use a six or seven-man rotation at times during the season. From May 18-June 3, June 12-27, August 14-29, and September 7-23 the Mets don’t have a day off. In that time, the Mets should include Gsellman and/or Vargas in the rotation to give the other five extra days off. That way they will be fresher for the stretch run.
Keeping Vargas in the bullpen can also be a good strategic move when they don’t use him as an extra starter. It keeps him pitching, and he doesn’t develop rust. Additionally, it gives the Mets another lefty specialist in the pen.
If the Mets want to make a playoff run, or dare it be said, a run at the National League pennant, their pitching has to be the reason. Their offense has a few holes early on due to injury.
Pitching and defense has typically been the calling card for the organization in successful seasons. 2018 won’t be any different. It’s up to Callaway to do the best for this staff, and if he does, the sky’s the limit.