{"id":110953,"date":"2025-12-18T20:43:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T01:43:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=110953"},"modified":"2025-12-18T20:43:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T01:43:39","slug":"mets-mid-tier-pitchers-offseason-targets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/12\/18\/mets-mid-tier-pitchers-offseason-targets\/","title":{"rendered":"The \u201cMid-Tier\u201d Pitchers Who Make the Most Sense for the Mets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mid-tier pitchers, frontline pitchers: in which direction are the New York Mets truly trying to go? In a recent report, ESPN’s Jeff Passan stated<\/a> that the Mets are among the most aggressive teams eyeing mid-tier starting pitching. Along with this, Passan stated what\u2019s been the truth all offseason: that the Mets would fully be on board with adding the top pitchers on the market if they\u2019re willing to take shorter years.<\/p>\n

However, a mid-tier arm is the exact opposite of what the Mets need right now. Currently, they have just that: four arms that are \u201cmiddle tier,\u201d which consist of Sean Manaea<\/a>, Clay Holmes<\/a>, David Peterson<\/a>, and Kodai Senga<\/a>, with the young star Nolan McLean<\/a> leading the pack. However, there are a few names currently available that could make a significant impact if signed to a short-term deal. With that, here are the three \u201cmid-tier\u201d pitchers that make the most sense for the Mets.<\/p>\n

Three Mid-Tier Pitchers Who Would Fit with the Mets<\/h2>\n

1. Zack Littell<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zack Littell<\/a> would be the perfect pitcher for the Mets to target: a durable, middle-of-the-rotation arm that can eat innings while being a solid option. In 2025, Littell provided both the Tampa Bay Rays<\/a> and Cincinnati Reds<\/a> with a career year, totaling 186 innings in 32 starts, with the second-best walk rate in MLB among qualified pitchers. The 30-year-old posted a combined 3.81 ERA between teams with a 10-8 record.<\/p>\n

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Sep 20, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Zack Littell (52) throws against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the key features of Littell is the fact that he\u2019s a former reliever, pitching 155 innings in his career with a 4.52 ERA, but peaking in 2021 with the San Francisco Giants, where he tossed 61 innings with a 2.92 ERA. Littell could serve the Mets as a versatile arm, being a spot starter when needed while also being used in a long-relief role, which they did not have in 2025. Littell is projected to sign a deal worth $12 million a year, which perfectly fits the David Stearns mold.<\/p>\n

2. Chris Bassitt<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A jersey swap isn\u2019t necessary for Chris Bassitt<\/a>. The right-handed pitcher spent a season in Queens, although the ending was catastrophic. Still, a reunion with Bassitt could benefit both sides. In 2022, Bassitt posted a 3.42 ERA in 30 starts with a 15-9 record. His time with the Mets ended on a sour note due to his poor performance in the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, in which he allowed three runs in four innings.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE<\/p>\n

The Mets are among the most aggressive teams eyeing mid-tier starting pitching, per @JeffPassan<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/dkc8wInaxI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) December 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n