The New York Mets have undergone a remarkable transformation in a short span. Once seemingly in a restructuring phase, they are now vying for an NL pennant. In 2024, their success largely hinged on the strength of their rotation, which ranked among the top five in ERA and AVG against and top 10 in WHIP from June 1 onwards. However, with key cogs like Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana hitting free agency this winter, the Mets find themselves in a position to fill out their starting staff.

Signing Frankie Montas: A Stepping Stone

The Mets took a significant step last week by signing Frankie Montas. This move sets the stage for the team to build around him and Kodai Senga in the upper part of the rotation. While Montas may be a reclamation project, he brings a certain level of experience and potential to the team.

With Montas on board, the Mets now need to find additional arms to support them. David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill offer depth options that can contribute in the lower half of the rotation. The challenge lies in finding the right mix of starters to ensure consistent performance throughout the season.

The Mets' decision to sign Eovaldi is a strategic one. On a shorter-term deal, Eovaldi provides consistent quality that gives the team more comfort in the top end of the staff. While Senga will be pitching his first full season since 2023 and Montas looks to bounce back from a near 5.00 ERA in 2024, Eovaldi's presence adds stability.

The Importance of Rotation Depth

Having a strong rotation depth is crucial for a team's success. It allows managers to manage workloads and make adjustments throughout the season. With the departure of key starters, the Mets need to ensure that they have reliable options in the lower part of the rotation.

David Peterson, in particular, has shown promise in the past and could play a significant role. Paul Blackburn and Tylor Megill also bring different skill sets that can be valuable in different situations. By developing a deep and versatile rotation, the Mets can better handle the challenges of a long season.

The search for arms continues as the Mets look to strengthen their starting staff. Every addition and subtraction will have an impact on the team's performance. The goal is to create a rotation that can compete from day one and potentially go even further than they did in 2024.