New York Mets: Finding the odd man out in the rotation

The New York Mets have enviable depth in their starting rotation. With six pitchers competing for five spots, who is the odd man out?

After a quiet start to free agency, the New York Mets have been active lately. On Wednesday, the reportedly signed free agent starter Michael Wacha to a one year contract, presumably filling out their starting rotation. Then, on Thursday, the Mets reportedly signed Rick Porcello to a one year deal, a surprising move given the acquisition of Wacha.

These moves leave the Mets with enviable depth to their rotation. However, these moves also leave the Mets with an interesting conundrum – they have six starting pitchers for a five man rotation. One of those pitchers will have to be the odd man out.

In theory, the Mets have three pitchers locked into rotation spots next season. Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Marcus Stroman are not going anywhere barring injury. Steven Matz would presumably have another spot in the rotation locked up, as he made 30 starts in each of the past two seasons, but he did spend two games in the bullpen just before the All Star Break last season due to his own ineffectiveness.

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While Matz could be taken from the rotation if he continues to struggle, it is more likely that the fifth starter role is a battle betwixt the newcomers. In theory, Porcello would have the inside track for that spot, as he has a higher contract and has made over 30 starts in five of the past six years. However, his 5.52 ERA and 1.394 WHiP last season hardly inspire confidence.

The same could be said for Wacha. He had lost his spot in the Cardinals rotation twice last season, making a total of five appearances in relief. Wacha also has not been nearly as durable as Porcello either, making 30 appearances just twice in his seven years in the majors. Yet, at 28 years old, he has more upside than the soon to be 31 year old Porcello.

Chances are, both pitchers will have their chances to start in 2020. The Mets rotation was healthy last season, but Matz, Syndergaard, and Stroman all missed significant time in either 2017 or 2018. That depth, while currently enviable, will likely be needed. Until then, it is likely that Wacha will start the year in the bullpen as a way to manage his innings and ensure his health for the latter part of the season.

Until then, or unless a trade is forthcoming, one of these pitchers will be the odd man out for the New York Mets. In all likelihood, that odd man out will be one of their recent additions.