New York Mets: Three free agents that can replace Zack Wheeler

2. Tanner Roark

A simple back-up plan to Odorizzi should be Roark, who is not quite the same pitcher yet he boasts most of the same qualities. He is a veteran and would be a more than a serviceable fifth starter, one who does not shut down a team by any means but rather throws a consistent amount of innings.

Unlike Odorizzi, he will probably sport an ERA over four and a WHIP around 1.2-1.3. Despite the uninspiring look of these stats, these are perhaps above average for a fifth starter. What the New York Mets desire more than anything in replacing Wheeler is finding a back of the rotation arm that can deliver a consistent and solid amount of innings.

With his move to Oakland and the American League, Roark’s ERA slightly ballooned, a return to the National League will likely temper this. He is also implicitly familiar with the NL East due to the time he spent with the Washington Nationals.

He can prove to be a far more reliable fifth starter than Jason Vargas– in this scenario, Marcus Stroman would fit into Wheeler’s rotation spot. Roark can definitely provide the length that Vargas simply could not. Also, a 2.0 WAR in 2019 should not be taken lightly.

As with Odorizzi, Roark will be very affordable for the Mets and the compensation will not be a factor here. He should be a top target if Odorizzi does not work out.