The New York Mets have a big weakness that has not been addressed this offseason. That is their starting pitching. The Mets’ rotation was very lackluster in the second half of last season. They ended the season 18th in ERA (4.03) and in opponent batting average (.246). Safe to say there were a lot of issues with that rotation last season. One guy who can help to improve it knows the Mets very well, as he has played with their NL East rival, the Philadelphia Phillies. That man is free agent left-hander Ranger Suárez, and he is a piece the Mets should look into getting.
The Mets Should Get Ranger Suárez, and Here’s Why
Suárez, who is entering his age-30 season, would be a nice addition to this Mets rotation. While he may not be an ace, he certainly bolsters this rotation that has a lot of question marks. Suárez has a lifetime record of 53 – 37 with a career 3.38 ERA in his time with the Phillies. While those numbers are not jaw-dropping, he is still a solid piece that the Mets would want, and here’s why.
We have a Ranger Suarez update per @Feinsand
“Suárez has been linked to the Mets and Orioles throughout the winter, which is hardly a surprise given their respective needs for starting pitching.”
“But Suárez is two years younger than Valdez, making him a more appealing option… pic.twitter.com/K8HK0oiAYy
— SleeperPhillies (@SleeperPhillies) January 2, 2026
Suárez is a Magician Come Playoff Time
In his career in the playoffs, Suarez has a record of 4-1 with an ERA of 1.48 in 42 2/3 innings pitched. If the Mets were to make the playoffs next season, a guy like this would really come in handy. The Mets have seen him firsthand numerous times, so it would not hurt them to take him away from one of their division rivals. He would make a great number two or three starter in their rotation.
With the Mets having guys like Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Sean Manaea, and Nolan McLean, it would not hurt them to go out and pay a little for a playoff performer like Suárez. The Mets need to improve the rotation and not run it back with the same core, as we saw some of them have down seasons in 2025. Senga has looked like a one-hit wonder so far, and Manaea had a big down year after his solid 2024 performance. Adding Suárez to the mix would really help, but his injury history is something to keep an eye on.
Injury History
Suárez has had a history of injuries over the past few seasons. He had a lower back strain that sidelined him for a while in 2024, and he had more back discomfort again in 2025. He has also never started 30 games in his major league career. The question would be, are the Mets willing to look past his back issues to gain a big-game starter like him?
Will the Mets Get A Guy Like Suárez?
It is all up to David Stearns, and if he is willing to take a risk on a pitcher of Suárez’s ilk or if he will use his money elsewhere. The Mets should certainly be looking to add Suárez to the rotation, and they could slot him in as the number two starter behind McLean if they see him as the ace of the future. Whether the Mets get Suárez or not this offseason, they need to be in the market for a starting pitcher of his caliber.
Main Photo Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
