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Kodai Senga (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler confirmed what had been deemed a future necessity for more than a month now, telling MLB Network Radio that he will be active in the starting pitching free agency market.
While the degree of just how aggressive or big-spending they’ll be still remains unknown — Eppler said that the Mets probably won’t “be walking into 2024 with the same preseason odds that we did in 2022, 2023” — New York has a teeming list of free-agent options to consider bolstering a suddenly-thin rotation.
Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, the two co-aces who were supposed to pace a World Series contender, are gone. Carlos Carrasco has pitched himself off the club next year with a league-worst 6.80 ERA. That leaves the Mets with their new-found ace in Kodai Senga and Jose Quintana as the only trusted options next season while David Peterson and Tylor Megill try to prove throughout the remainder of 2023 that they’re still worthy of another chance at a bottom-of-the-rotation spot. Joey Lucchesi is also under contract next season, though he nor Megill and Peterson don’t inspire much confidence.
Triple-A options have emerged, as well. Justin Jarvis was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Mark Canha trade and is the team’s No. 15-ranked prospect. Mike Vasil, drafted in the eighth round two years ago, is No. 9, and should also make a push in spring training to make the big club.
But hypotheticals can’t be leaned on. Proven arms are needed, and Eppler rightfully identified the need to be posted on the open waters of free agency this offseason.
2024 Mets projected starting rotation
Kodai Senga, RHP: Senga has been superb in his rookie season with the Mets, overcoming the litany of adjustments that come with making the jump from Japan to become New York’s most…
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