The New York Mets have an impressively deep rotation. Once Noah Syndergaard returns, they will have six viable major league starters vying for five roles, not including their solid minor league depth. However, until Syndergaard returns, the Mets will need someone to step up as their second starter, taking that spot behind Jacob deGrom.
At this point, the spotlight is on Marcus Stroman to fill that role. Stroman somewhat surprisingly returned to the Mets, accepting the Qualifying Offer due to his excitement about Steve Cohen and the direction of the franchise.
The pressure is on Marcus Stroman to step up for the New York Mets
If the Mets are to fulfill Cohen’s vow of returning to the postseason, Stroman will be a major part of the puzzle. However, there is a question of what he will be able to bring to the roster for the upcoming season.
Stroman had missed the beginning part of 2020 due to a calf injury, and then opted out of the rest of the year once he accumulated enough service time to become a free agent. That move did not exactly endear him to the Mets’ faithful, and will add an additional spotlight upon his performance this year.
He has been a solid pitcher when he has been able to take the mound, although he missed significant time in 2015 and 2018 due to injury. Overall, Stroman has posted a 51-47 record with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.292 WHiP, striking out 695 batters with 244 walks in his 849.1 innings. Those are respectable numbers, but the Mets will need more.
The question is whether or not Stroman has more to give. He has been a solid middle of the rotation arm, the perfect third starter, but appears to be miscast beyond that point. If he can take that next step forward and prove to be a viable second starter, the Mets path to the postseason will be that much easier.
The spotlight will be shining on Marcus Stroman this season. He needs to step up and be that second starter the New York Mets need.