The New York Mets are clearly among the top contenders in Major League Baseball, but they might need to make a drastic move to separate themselves from the pack.
In a crowded National League, the Mets’ lineup stands out as one of the most talented in the league. But it’s been their rotation that’s carried them to a 38-23 start, and it’s unclear how much of that success they should expect to continue.
Starters Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson have all pitched to sub-four ERAs so far. That speaks volumes of the Mets’ pitching development infrastructure, but it could also mean regression is eventually going to hit.
Could New York boost the rotation with a former All-Star at the trade deadline? One baseball writer is strongly suggesting they should do so.
On Wednesday, Terrence Jordan of FanSided named Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen as an ideal deadline target for New York, as the 2023 Cy Young finalist is scheduled for free agency this winter.
“Clay Holmes is one start away from setting his personal high in innings pitched, and we’ve all seen how fragile Kodai Senga can be,” Jordan wrote.
“At his worst, Gallen could be an innings eater to keep the rest of the rotation fresh for October, but he also has sizeable upside as a bounce-back candidate. Since he’ll be a free agent this offseason, Arizona might let him go for cheap if they decide to sell.”
Gallen, 29, hasn’t had a good year so far, which is a key reason Arizona is even remotely close to a position where they might consider selling. He’s put up a 5.13 ERA in 13 starts, leading the National League with 33 walks.
With a $13.5 million salary, Gallen would be a reasonably priced rental from a payroll standpoint, but the Diamondbacks would either have to be buried in the standings or tempted by a massive haul of prospects to let him go.
