The New York Mets and the Search for Starting Pitching After Juan Soto’s Departure: A Look at the Remaining Free-Agent Market
As one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), the New York Mets are no strangers to high expectations and significant moves, both in terms of player acquisitions and team development.
However, after a tumultuous 2023 season that saw their playoff hopes dashed, the Mets are embarking on a critical offseason with important decisions on the horizon. One of the most significant changes for the Mets is the departure of Juan Soto, a move that has created both a vacuum in the lineup and an opportunity to retool the team in other ways, particularly through the pitching staff.
With a potent lineup that still includes players like Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, the Mets have the offensive firepower to compete in the highly competitive National League East. However, pitching remains a pivotal area of concern. While the Mets have an intriguing mix of young arms and veteran talent in their rotation, they need to address the lack of an elite, front-end starter to propel them toward championship contention. The Mets’ front office has already shown a willingness to make bold moves, and the free-agent market offers several promising options to bolster the starting rotation.
The Impact of Losing Juan Soto
The departure of Juan Soto, one of the game’s premier hitters, has left a notable hole in the Mets’ lineup. While Soto’s bat will be difficult to replace, the focus for the Mets this offseason should shift toward strengthening their pitching staff, particularly the rotation. Soto was an offensive force for the Mets, but his absence creates a unique opportunity to refocus efforts on addressing the team’s pitching needs.
While Soto’s presence in the lineup was impactful, the Mets have already demonstrated that they can still field a competitive offense. Now, with Soto gone, it becomes imperative for the Mets to prioritize finding starting pitching that can anchor their rotation and provide stability. Strengthening the pitching staff not only improves their chances of success in the National League East but also gives them a foundation for sustained competitiveness in the years ahead.
The Current State of the Mets’ Rotation
Heading into the 2024 season, the Mets’ starting rotation features a mix of high-potential young arms and established veterans. However, there are still questions about the consistency and durability of some of the key players in the rotation. Max Scherzer, one of the top pitchers in MLB history, is still under contract, but his age and injury history have raised concerns about his ability to carry the rotation. Justin Verlander, another veteran ace, has also dealt with injuries and questions about his effectiveness over the course of a full season.
On the other hand, the Mets have several young pitchers with upside, including David Peterson and Tylor Megill, but they are still finding their footing at the major league level. With the Mets’ pitching staff in need of a proven leader at the top, this presents a unique opportunity to explore the free-agent market for starting pitchers who can provide the stability and star power needed to complement Scherzer and Verlander.
Top Remaining Free-Agent Starting Pitchers
The free-agent market for starting pitchers is always competitive, and 2024 is no different. While the Mets may have missed out on some of the top-tier names early in the offseason, a number of intriguing free agents remain available who could make a significant impact on their rotation. Let’s take a closer look at the top remaining free-agent starting pitchers who could be a fit for the Mets in the wake of Juan Soto’s departure.
1. Sandy Alcántara (Miami Marlins)
Although Sandy Alcántara is still technically under contract with the Miami Marlins, he is widely considered a potential trade candidate after several years of dominating the National League. Alcántara won the 2022 NL Cy Young Award and has consistently been one of the most durable and effective pitchers in MLB over the past few seasons. With a devastating four-pitch arsenal, including a fastball that regularly touches the upper 90s, Alcántara has proven himself as a legitimate ace.
For the Mets, adding Alcántara would be a massive boost to their rotation. He could serve as the perfect complement to Scherzer and Verlander, bringing an elite strikeout rate and ability to pitch deep into games. The 2024 season represents an opportunity for the Mets to solidify their rotation with a true ace, and Alcántara fits the bill perfectly.
Why the Mets should target him:
- Proven ace with Cy Young pedigree.
- Durable and capable of throwing deep into games.
- Would provide the Mets with a long-term solution at the top of their rotation.
- Excellent command and elite strikeout ability.
2. Blake Snell (San Diego Padres)
Blake Snell, the 2018 AL Cy Young winner, has emerged as one of the top left-handed pitchers in MLB over the past few seasons. In 2023, he posted one of his best years with the San Diego Padres, leading the National League in earned run average (ERA) and earning an All-Star selection. Snell’s high strikeout rate and the effectiveness of his slider make him a dynamic presence on the mound.
Snell can be inconsistent at times, especially with his control, but when he’s at his best, he’s nearly unhittable. The Mets could be an excellent landing spot for Snell, especially given the team’s emphasis on maximizing the potential of their pitchers through pitching coach Jeremy Hefner’s approach. If the Mets are looking for a high-ceiling pitcher who can dominate for stretches, Snell is an ideal candidate to consider.
Why the Mets should target him:
- Elite strikeout stuff and ability to dominate games.
- Proven Cy Young-winning talent.
- High upside, especially with Mets’ pitching development staff.
- Adds a dynamic lefty presence to the rotation.
3. Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies)
Aaron Nola has been a staple of the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation for years, and while his performance dipped somewhat in 2023, he remains one of the most reliable and effective pitchers in the majors. Nola has consistently posted ERA numbers in the low 3.00s and has a track record of being a workhorse, making at least 30 starts in every season since 2018. His ability to command all of his pitches and generate weak contact has allowed him to thrive in the tough NL East.
For the Mets, Nola would be a great fit as a second-tier ace behind Scherzer and Verlander. He doesn’t have the overpowering stuff of some other free-agent pitchers, but his consistency and durability make him an excellent addition to a contending team. With Nola in the fold, the Mets would have a proven workhorse to rely on during the long season.
Why the Mets should target him:
- Consistent and durable starter with a proven track record.
- Ability to command multiple pitches and limit home runs.
- Strong performances in high-pressure situations, including the postseason.
- Perfect for the middle of the rotation, giving the Mets stability.
4. Sonny Gray (Minnesota Twins)
Sonny Gray has experienced a career resurgence over the past few seasons, particularly with the Minnesota Twins. In 2023, he posted a career-best ERA and made his first All-Star appearance. Gray has always had excellent stuff, with a sharp slider and a strong fastball, but his ability to stay healthy and maintain his form has been key to his success. After a rocky start to his career with the Yankees, Gray has found his groove in the American League Central.
If the Mets are looking for a dependable veteran to provide stability to their rotation, Gray could be an excellent fit. He is effective at limiting hard contact and has a high strikeout rate, making him a valuable asset in the middle of the rotation. His playoff experience also adds to his value, giving the Mets a steady presence in big games.
Why the Mets should target him:
- Career resurgence with excellent 2023 season.
- High strikeout rate and ability to limit hard contact.
- Experienced in high-leverage situations.
- A dependable option in the middle of the rotation.
5. Jordan Montgomery (St. Louis Cardinals)
Jordan Montgomery, who was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022 after spending several seasons with the Yankees, has been one of the most consistent pitchers in MLB over the last few years. Montgomery may not have the flashy stuff of some of the other top pitchers on the market, but his ability to locate pitches and get outs consistently makes him a valuable asset to any rotation. He’s a ground-ball pitcher who limits home runs, and he’s also shown a remarkable ability to pitch deep into games.
For the Mets, Montgomery could be a great fit as a solid number-three or number-four starter. He provides excellent depth to the rotation and gives the Mets a reliable option behind their top-tier pitchers. He could thrive in a pitcher-friendly environment like Citi Field, making him a low-risk but high-reward signing.
Why the Mets should target him:
- Consistent and reliable starter with excellent control.
- Ground-ball pitcher who limits home runs.
- Provides much-needed depth to the rotation.
- Ability to pitch deep into games and give innings.
Conclusion: A Critical Offseason for the Mets
With the loss of Juan Soto, the New York Mets find themselves in a transitional period where they must reorient their strategy to focus on pitching. Although their offense remains potent, especially with the likes of Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, the pitching staff needs reinforcements, particularly at the top. The Mets’ ability to secure a top-tier starting pitcher from the remaining free-agent market will play a crucial role in their chances of competing for a playoff spot in 2024 and beyond.
Whether the Mets choose to go after a high-ceiling pitcher like Blake Snell or opt for a more consistent and durable option like Aaron Nola, the key to their success will be finding the right mix of arms that can complement Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. As the free-agent market continues to evolve, the Mets have the opportunity to make a significant move that could elevate them back into contention.
