So far this season, pitching has been a standout of the Mets Season. However, there are some issues in the Mets starting rotation that could be addressed. The Mets rotation has been highlighted by Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman and Taijuan Walker this season. However, the back half has struggled. Joey Lucchesi is now out for the season, and David Peterson has struggled with consistency. Tyler Megill has shown potential, but is yet to log a start over five innings.
Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard look to make their season debut in the second half of the season. But even with the return of one or two of these stars, the Mets starting rotation could benefit from another starter. New York standing GM Zack Scott, on multiple occasions has named acquiring a starter the Mets top-priority.
With a record of 29-14 in deGrom, Stroman or Walker starts, and 12-21 otherwise. That alone highlights the clear need for a Mets upgrade. So who are some possible additions New York can make ahead of the deadline?
Caleb Smith, Diamondbacks
Caleb Smith emerged as a top starter in his days with the Miami Marlins. However, after being traded to the Diamondbacks in the Sterling Marte deal he started the season in the Arizona bullpen. Recently, Smith has found himself in a return to the starting rotation. Smith has consistently been on bad teams, and could be an excellent piece for the first place Mets. Another positive with acquiring Caleb Smith is his bullpen experience that can benefit New York in the return of both Carrasco and Syndergaard. Nicknamed Doctor K, Caleb Smith could be an excellent addition to the Mets starting rotation.
Kyle Gibson, Rangers
Gibson is having the best season of any pitchers that may be shopped at the deadline. With a record of 6-0 with a 2.00 ERA, Gibson would fit in nicely to the Mets starting rotation. One of the biggest upsides with Gibson is his reliability. Aside from his first start he has pitched into the sixth in each start since the first of the season. Also, in a season riddled with injuries for New York, only three pitchers have started more games over the last eight years than Gibson. It’s clear that Texas will listen to offers, but what they will require is yet to be seen. Nonetheless Kyle Gibson should be near the top of New York’s list.
Jose Berrios, Twins
Whether the Twins will be willing to part with Jose Berrios remains to be seen. What can be seen is the value he’d add to New York’s rotation. Berrios could be a key starter for a Mets postseason run. The Twins starter is 7-2 in nearly 90 innings this season. He’d be a right-handed starter that can pitch late into games and into a hopeful late season run. Can they pull a deal off this season? It is definitely worth a try.
Adding one starter and getting Carrasco or Syndergaard back into the Mets starting rotation could really strengthen this team in their first place season. The trade deadline is on July 30th, and the Mets look to be in discussion in multiple deals.
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