Again in 2019, the New York Mets are going to live and die by their starting pitching. If thus team hopes to go anywhere, they are going to need this rotation to stay healthy, and pitch to their capabilities. Manager Mickey Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland did a good job working with them last year, we’ll see if they can carry that success into 2019.
The Big Three
Heading into the 2019 season, the Mets May have one of the best top three starters in baseball. Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Zach Wheeler all pitch like top of the rotation starters when healthy.
DeGrom took home the National League Cy Young last season after posting an incredible 1.70 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. You should definitely expect more of the same from him this season. The lanky right-hander has solidified himself as one of the top starters in the game.
Syndergaard also has the ability to put up, DeGrom-esque numbers as long as he can stay healthy. Last season he was limited to 25 starts, but posted a solid 3.03 ERA and recorded 13 wins.
Wheeler is the most interesting of the three. Last season, he was finally able to stay healthy and show his true colors. In a breakout year, Wheeler punched out 179 batters while posting a 3.31 ERA and 1.12 WHIP.
If all three can stay healthy and are clicking at the same time, the rest of baseball better watch out.
The Local Kid
Everyone mentions the Big Three above when taking about the Mets rotation, but they seem to forget about lefty Steven Matz. The Long Island native has had issues staying on the field each year, but last season he made 30 starts for the first time.
He also recorded a 3.97 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while striking out 152 batters. Matz showed his abilities at times last season. With some work with pitching coach Dave Eiland, Matz improves significantly.
The 2019 season could be a breakout year for the kid. He went through his up’s and his down’s last season, but was able to keep his composure. If Matz is clicking like deGrom, Syndergaard, and Wheeler in 2019, then the Mets will certainly be in business.
Battle for the Five Spot?
Recently Mickey Callaway named Jason Vargas his fifth starter in the rotation. While Vargas did finish 2018 strong, he was miserable prior to that. With those struggles in mind, there should be absolutely be a battle in camp for the final spot.
Hector Santiago was brought in on a minor league deal, I think he could be a sleeper for that last spot. He’s mainly pitched out of the bullpen lately, but he has decent numbers as a starter in his career.
The Mets also have Rule 5 pick Kyle Dowdy who MC seems to like a ton. While I don’t think he’s quite ready, Dowdy could also be a sleeper for the spot with a nice showing in camp.
Another candidate should be Corey Oswalt, who pitched well last season in spot starts. The Mets have also been showing some interest on the free agent market. With cheaper options such as Gio Gonzalez and Clay Bucholz still sitting there, I’d love to see them get a deal done.
Last Word
Ultimately as I said in the beginning, this Mets team is going to live and die by their starting pitching. That has always been the case. They look solid on paper, it is just a matter of if they can stay healthy and perform to their abilities.
You know what you’re getting from deGrom, Syndergaard, and Wheeler. That little bit extra from Matz and the five starter will be just what they need to put this team over the hump.
Main photo:
