UPDATE: The New York Mets are exploring internal solutions to address significant pitching struggles as the season heats up. Following a missed opportunity at the trade deadline, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated the team is considering promoting top prospects Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean to bolster their starting rotation.
Stearns spoke to reporters Monday afternoon, confirming that the Mets’ starting pitchers have been unable to consistently pitch deep into games. With only David Peterson logging six innings in the past month, the urgency is mounting among fans and analysts alike. “It’s always a combination of when, developmentally, those guys are ready,” Stearns stated. “We may get to the point where we decide to bring one or both of them here, but we’re not at that point right now.”
The Mets made headlines last week by acquiring three key relievers: Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto, as well as veteran center fielder Cedric Mullins. However, Stearns declined to pursue starting pitchers, including MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals, citing high costs as a major factor. This decision underscores a broader strategy; Stearns has emphasized a disciplined approach to roster construction, even with the financial backing of owner Steve Cohen.
Despite a promising start to the season, the Mets have seen their rotation struggle significantly post-June. As of today, they rank 24th in the league with a 4.74 ERA and have a dismal 22-27 record since mid-June. The team has also faced injuries, with key pitchers like Kodai Senga and Griffin Canning sidelined. Manager Carlos Mendoza admitted that the team has not been able to achieve consistency from their starters, stating, “It starts on the mound, and we haven’t been able to get some quality starts.”
The potential promotion of Sproat and McLean could signal a shift in the Mets’ approach. Both prospects have excelled in Triple-A, with McLean boasting a 2.81 ERA in 15 games and Sproat showing dominance recently, allowing only two earned runs over his last six starts. Their performances have sparked hope among the fanbase for a turnaround in the rotation.
As the Mets prepare for the final stretch of the season, eyes will be on whether Stearns will make the call to elevate these promising arms. “I think they’re getting close,” Stearns noted, leaving fans eager for what’s next.
In a competitive NL East, any decision could prove crucial for the Mets’ playoff aspirations. The urgency is palpable as the team seeks to regain momentum and restore faith among its supporters. The situation remains fluid, and the coming days will be critical for the Mets as they navigate these challenges.