Mets: Predicting which starting pitcher they re-sign or extend for 2021

Rick Porcello

Since joining the Mets, the story with Porcello has been about his relationship with the Mets as a fan growing up. I have no doubt this is genuine. Could it lead to a hometown discount of sorts?

I definitely thing Porcello has the most to gain among these three as far as reputation goes. He has already gotten paid big dollars by the Boston Red Sox. The next time he’s in free agency, money won’t necessarily matter as much as playing where he wants to be.

Without getting into Porcello’s head, I have to imagine location and a chance to win are near the top. The organization he plays with in 2021 may also need to provide him with some other essentials. Like any man in any job, Porcello should strive to have a place where he’s happy.

Since we cannot get into the ins and outs of what Porcello may experience as a member of the Mets organization in 2020, we can only look at possible performance and whether or not his ceiling or floor may warrant a longer deal to stay in New York. It definitely feels possible. And even if he did turn in a fantastic campaign, I think his market will be lighter than Stroman’s because of age and reputation.

Porcello will enter free agency after the 2020 season with his 32nd birthday coming up in December. This isn’t a horrific age for a pitcher to become a free agent, but it’s also not the ideal situation for a player of his status.

Compared to Stroman, I think it’s more likely we see Porcello pitching for this team again in 2021. What about the other guy, Mr. Wacha?