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MLB: Picking the top 5 rotations coming into the 2023 season

By Jack McKenney

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees in action against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on September 07, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 7-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees in action against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on September 07, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 7-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer
Oct 1, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New York Mets

Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, Tylor Megill/Carlos Carrasco

Isn’t it amazing how a team can lose Jacob deGrom and Chris Bassitt, yet still maintain one of the best rotations in the MLB ? Mets fans were crushed after losing deGrom to free agency, yet the front office responded quickly by signing reigning AL Cy Young Winner Justin Verlander to a two-year deal. Paired with Max Scherzer , the Mets now have two future Hall of Famers at the top of their rotation, leaving fans curious to see how these two veteran will hold up over the course of a 162 game season.

Another new face in this rotation will be Kodai Senga, who is perhaps the most intriguing starter entering the 2023 season. The former NPB Superstar posted a 2.59 ERA over 1,000-plus innings, earning him a five-year, $75 million deal with the Mets.

Senga’s arsenal features a 97-98 mph fastball along with a forkball which hitters have continually struggled with, making him a strong contender for NL Rookie of the Year.

The Mets also added Jose Quintana on a two-year deal this offseason, providing additional depth to this loaded rotation. Last year was a bounce-back season for Quintana, serving as a stellar deadline acquisition for the St. Louis Cardinals. Quintana posted a 2.01 ERA in 63 innings with St. Louis, including five scoreless innings in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card.

Tylor Megill and Carlos Carrasco are the anchors of this rotation, with Carrasco reportedly still the subject of trade talks. With lefty David Peterson also in the mix for innings, many Mets fans are wondering where Carrasco fits into this rotation. As for Megill, some anticipate he may have a bullpen role, but I heavily disagree. At 27, Megill is the youngest arm on this veteran staff, and I think New York will want him to establish himself as a reliable rotation option for years to come. He certainly has the arsenal to prove it.

Overall, a huge tip of the cap to the Mets front office. It’s an incredible accomplishment to somehow band together a top five rotation despite losing both deGrom and Bassitt.

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