MLB: Top Four Starting Pitcher Trios Heading into 2017
By Anthony Sosa
New York Mets
With some of the best young starters in the game, the New York Mets’ rotation when healthy has a big three of its own. Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey are three of the best pitchers in the NL.
In 2016, Harvey missed the second half of the season due to surgery on his shoulder for thoracic outlet syndrome. DeGrom missed a majority of September and underwent surgery on his elbow. Syndergaard was the only one of the three that remained healthy the whole season.
Syndergaard’s second season in the majors showcased his true talents. He went 14-9 with an ERA of 2.60 and 218 strikeouts. Syndergaard and his flowing gold locks held a league-best 2.29 FIP. In the 2016 NL Wild Card Game, he pitched seven shutout innings against the San Francisco Giants.
DeGrom in 2016 posted career highs in ERA (3.04), FIP (3.32) and WHIP (1.203). Perhaps the elbow issues played a factor in the rise. Nonetheless, deGrom has a career 2.74 ERA, 492 strikeouts and a 2.88 FIP.
After a successful return from Tommy John surgery in 2015, Harvey continued his dominance for the Mets. But in 2016, before his surgery, Harvey wasn’t the same. His ERA jumped from 2.71 to 4.86. Even with the 2016 struggles, Harvey has a 2.94 career ERA and 525 strikeouts.
When healthy and at their best, the Mets have three top pitchers at the front of their rotation. Syndergaard, deGrom and Harvey played a huge factor in the Mets’ 2015 World Series run. The trio of pitchers could easily lead the Mets back to the playoffs in 2017.