On paper, at least, the New York Mets would seem to have a starting rotation. However, they might be searching for more. or not.
According to a report published by MLB.com on Monday, the Mets are seeking to trade for additional starting pitchers. “Actively” was the word they claimed to have used.
That comes after the Mets acquired Sean Manaea over the weekend, bringing Kodai Senga, José Quintana, Luis Severino, and Adrian Houser into the starting lineup.
Are the Mets really interested in acquiring a starting pitcher through trade right now? Yes. However, there might be a valid reason to hold off.
The Mets are not looking to add more starting pitching this offseason, unless it’s a “depth” move, according to a report from MLB.com that was picked up by The Athletic on the same day.
That may have something to do with how the Mets have configured their current rotation going forward beyond 2024.
Following the season, Quintana, Severino, and Houser are all free agents. The two-year contract with Manaea has an opt-out clause.
Senga, who is signed to a five-year contract, is the only starter who is assured to be back for the Mets in 2025.
The Mets will have a ton of options when assembling their rotation for 2025, when they intend to contend in the NL East once more.
The Mets have access to a farm system that includes Mike Vasil, Blake Tidwell, and Tyler Stuart, among other talented arms. They could go all in with three starters, Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi, and José Butto, who helped them late in the previous season but are still relatively young.
Additionally, it might put the Mets in a hunt mode for the upcoming offseason, when a number of notable free agents, such as Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Shane Bieber, and Walker Buehler, could become available. Max Scherzer, Nathan Eovaldi, and Zack Wheeler.
Since Burnes plays for Milwaukee and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns led the Brewers for several seasons, the Mets would immediately click with Burnes.
As per MLB.com, the Mets might still pursue a trade. If they don’t, though, there’s a good explanation. In order to prepare for 2025, the Mets would be playing a longer game.