Why the Mets Should Pursue a Top Free-Agent Pitcher Before Spring Training

2. Current rotation leaves massive question marks

While the Mets' rotation had high hopes heading into 2023, the opposite can be said heading into 2024. Currently, New York's group is expected to be Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Adrian Houser.

Outside of Senga, the rotation is filled with uncertainties as many of the players are coming off of injuries or down seasons. Severino went 4-8 in 18 starts with a 6.65 ERA in 2023 and hasn't pitched 30 games or more since 2018. Manaea hasn't been the same pitcher since leaving Oakland serving roles out of the bullpen and in the rotation with his ERA rising to 4.44 in 2023.

Houser will be 31 this season and started 21 games in 2023 with a 4.12 ERA. He'll be a solid fifth starter, but also won't blow anyone away.

3. Are the Mets that far out of a playoff spot?

While the Mets aren't pushing for the playoffs, they may also not be too far out of contention for a Wild Card spot heading into 2024. We saw an underdog Diamondbacks team make the playoffs with some solid players and two great pitchers; New York could make a similar run especially if the kids take the next step.

The Mets will have solid position players heading into 2024 with Pete Alonso, Franciso Lindor, Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, Starling Marte, and Franciso Alvarez among others who may have All-Star caliber seasons.

The Mets may not be far out of the playoffs heading into the season, and it would be good for the up-and-coming prospects to get postseason experience. It's easy to push off the year eyeing a 2025 push, but you also have big-league players that won't accept throwing a season away.

If you are the New York Mets why not pursue Snell or Montgomery?

If there are two elite pitchers on the market that may end up going below their asking prices, why shouldn't the Mets pursue one or even both of them?

The Mets are waiting for their prospects to be ready which is acceptable, however, none of the highly regarded youngsters are starters. The Mets swung and missed with Scherzer and Verlander sure, but you also had the right idea in pursuing pitching.

Landing either Montgomery and Snell will make the team better in the short term while also allowing them to focus elsewhere in 2025 free agency.

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