Challenges in Mets’ Rotation Ahead of New Season
PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets faced significant challenges last season, highlighted by a starting rotation that shrank considerably. If they had reached the postseason, three rookies who collectively appeared in just 17 major league games were slated to start during the wild-card round.
Those pitchers included Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong.
However, the Mets ultimately lost a crucial tiebreaker to the Reds in the National League’s final wild-card race, leading to the cancellation of their last game of the season in Miami, rendering the standings irrelevant.
Consequently, Director of Baseball Operations David Stearns is prioritizing the rotation as he evaluates the batting lineup this winter.
Interestingly, some of that groundwork might have been laid during a January trade that brought Freddy Peralta and Tobias Meyers from the Brewers in exchange for Sproat and Jett Williams.
Peralta, 29, seems to be the ace the Mets have long needed, enhancing their previous strong performances in August and September.
Last season, Peralta started 33 games for the Brewers, logging 176⅓ innings with an impressive 2.70 ERA.
He’s not just a solid addition; a two-time All-Star, he even placed fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting last year.
The question remains: is Peralta’s arrival sufficient to shake up a rotation that struggled last season?
Kodai Senga, for example, had such difficulties that he opted to accept a demotion to the minor leagues in early September, ultimately finishing the season with Triple-A Syracuse.
On the other hand, Sean Manaea experienced an oblique muscle tear during spring training, delaying his debut with the Mets until July. After that, he appeared far from the powerhouse he once was, posting a 5.64 ERA in 15 games. This raises lingering doubts about his three-year, $75 million contract signed before last season.
David Peterson, another player who started on the National League All-Star team, struggled as well, finishing with a 6.34 ERA after starting 12 games in the second half of the season.
As pitchers and catchers head to spring training this week, the team’s biggest question seems to be whether they have addressed their glaring weaknesses.
Stearns voiced some optimism: “We like our rotation. Adding Freddie as a stabilizing force to lead our rotation probably gives some of our younger pitchers a little more space—and ensures there’s room for a bounce-back from players like Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga. We still believe they can deliver valuable contributions this year. It’s a blend of youth and experienced veterans.”
MacLean had a good showing in his eight starts, pitching 48 innings and achieving a remarkable 2.06 ERA while retaining his rookie eligibility.
Sproat’s absence may be somewhat offset by Christian Scott’s anticipated return from Tommy John surgery, and with Tong likely starting at Triple-A Syracuse, the team boasts a promising young talent core.
In contrast, Clay Holmes was the only veteran starter the Mets leaned on during the latter part of the previous season, showcasing a career-high 165⅔ innings with a 3.53 ERA during his shift from relief to starting pitcher.
The Mets also added Myers, who started six games for the Brewers last season, to serve as backup.
While Peralta could significantly change the team’s narrative, one might wonder—can he truly alter results?
The answer likely hinges on the performance of the other key pitchers in the rotation.
“We have several starters who have played the No. 1 role at different times in their careers, and Freddie certainly qualifies. Last year, we saw Nolan’s potential as a No. 1 starter. Sean Manaea has also pitched like an ace. And before my time here, Kodai Senga demonstrated ace-level talent. Our rotation currently includes multiple pitchers capable of stepping up as aces; I’d definitely place Freddie in that category,” Stearns concluded.
