The New York Mets’ offseason efforts to rebuild their starting rotation have been intriguing but leave room for improvement. While the team has made notable additions in Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes to complement ace Kodai Senga, questions remain about whether this rotation is championship-ready.
Trust in Stearns, but the Clock is Ticking
David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, has earned the benefit of the doubt thanks to his success with past acquisitions like Luis Severino and Sean Manaea. His reputation for developing pitching talent during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers further solidifies his credibility.
Fans, however, recognize that trust has its limits. The Mets’ lofty expectations for 2025—a season where winning a championship is the goal—mean that creative moves can only go so far.
A Need for Frontline Talent
The Mets’ projected rotation currently includes Senga, Montas, Holmes, David Peterson, Jose Butto, and either Paul Blackburn or Tylor Megill. While depth is evident, the lack of proven top-line starters is concerning. With the Mets possibly leaning toward a six-man rotation to manage workloads and injuries, adding two high-caliber pitchers is crucial.
The Case for Sean Manaea
Sean Manaea, a key contributor last season, remains a top target. His second-half dominance, fueled by adjustments to his delivery reminiscent of Chris Sale’s mechanics, suggests his performance is sustainable. Scouts agree his new arm angle enhances perceived velocity, making his fastball particularly challenging for hitters.
Retaining Manaea, however, won’t come cheap. Following Luis Severino’s three-year, $67 million deal, Manaea may command a four-year contract worth close to $100 million. At 33, the Mets may hesitate to commit long-term, but his durability and effectiveness make him a worthwhile investment.
Other Options: Buehler or Eovaldi
In addition to Manaea, the Mets could target short-term deals with Walker Buehler or Nate Eovaldi.
- Walker Buehler: Despite a shaky 2024 season following a second Tommy John surgery, Buehler’s postseason dominance highlights his potential to bounce back.
- Nate Eovaldi: The 35-year-old offers reliability and postseason pedigree, making him a solid addition to stabilize the rotation.
Adding one of these names alongside Manaea would elevate the rotation to a championship-caliber level while maintaining depth with pitchers like Blackburn, Butto, and Megill, plus prospects Brandon Sproat and Blade Tidwell.
The Holmes Experiment
The Mets’ decision to experiment with Clay Holmes as a starter is a creative gamble. His elite sinker provides a strong foundation for transitioning to the rotation, but his bullpen experience offers a valuable fallback. If Holmes moves back to a setup role for Edwin Díaz, he could further strengthen the bullpen, especially with additional relief acquisitions.
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