New York Mets Sign Michael Wacha
The New York Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha pending a physical. Mark Feinsand has reported a source told him the deal is for one year. The contract is worth three million dollars with seven million in available incentives.
Michael Wacha and the Mets have agreed to a deal pending physical, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 11, 2019
Michael Wacha’s Career
Michael Wacha has played all seven years of his career for the St. Louis Cardinals. Wacha has a career record of 59-39 with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.325 WHIP. In 867 innings Wacha has struck out 759 batters. Wacha 27, was the 19th overall draft pick in the 2012 MLB draft. Wacha pitched for three seasons at Texas A&M University where he went 27-7 with a 2.40 ERA.
Back in 2015 Wacha had the best year of his career with a 17-7 record and a 3.38 ERA. Since that season Wacha has had several ups and downs. In 2016 he missed over a month with right shoulder inflammation. After a healthy 2017, Wacha missed three months with a left oblique strain. In May of the 2019 season, Wacha was demoted to the bullpen. Wacha spent the rest of the season bouncing between starting and relieving.
Mets Outlook
Wacha will slot in as the fifth starter. The Mets will trot out one of the best rotations in all of baseball. The anchor is the two time defending National League Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom followed by Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, and Steven Matz.
Pitching alongside an accomplished pitcher like deGrom could hopefully reignite Wacha’s abilities. Wacha is a risk worth taking for the Mets. There are a lot of pitchers looking for a fresh start with a new team. It is possible to strike gold however if the Mets get silver that would be fine with them.
The Mets now can start to finalize their bullpen. Edwin Diaz is the closer and Seth Lugo is the primary set up man. Returning relievers Justin Wilson, Robert Gsellman, Jeurys Familia, and Brad Brach round out the rest of the bullpen. The Mets will be banking on Diaz and Familia to return to form. The Mets will be still looking to add more depth to the bullpen.
With Wacha getting such a low salary the Mets can add centerfielder Starling Marte without shedding payroll as previously reported. Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen might be late to the game and now has to make up ground in a very competitive National League East.
