With the disappointing news that ace Kodai Senga is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to a shoulder injury, acquiring a starter to fill his spot in the rotation should become a top priority.
The biggest pitchers still on the free agent market are Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell, but president David Stearns told reporters Senga’s injury would not increase the chances that the Mets would acquire a starter.
Outside of Montgomery and Snell, there are a few trade targets who have been mentioned this offseason too. White Sox ace Dylan Cease, who fanned 214 in 177 innings last season and was second in 2022 Cy Young voting, has been involved in trade rumors all offseason. So has Miami lefty Jesús Luzardo, who struck out 208 in 178 2/3 innings last season with a 3.58 ERA. Either would make excellent additions and immediately go to the top of the Mets rotation.
If a trade or signing doesn’t transpire, Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi and José Butto will likely compete for a spot at the back of the rotation, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported. Megill and Butto are scheduled to start the first two games of Grapefruit League play beginning Saturday, respectively.
Stearns told reporters the team prefers prospects Mike Vasil, Christian Scott and Dominic Hamel to get more seasoning in the minor leagues, per Tim Healey of Newsday.
Senga has a moderate right posterior capsule strain in his shoulder, according to Stearns. He will be shut down until his symptoms subside. He isn’t expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 28, but no timeline for his return was given.
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