What does the future hold for Steven Matz and the New York Mets?
Steven Matz has underperformed for the last few seasons and 2020 is no exception. The left-handed New York Mets starting pitcher may get described differently at some point in the near future and I don’t mean he’ll become ambidextrous.
Although I don’t think Matz is in much danger of losing a rotation spot in 2020 because of how few options the team has, the 2021 season could bring about some changes. Matz is not the top-of-the-rotation arm he once looked like he could become. At best, he’s a number five.
This offseason, the Mets will have some major decisions to make with their pending free agents. Among those still under team control, what they do with Matz in the future is yet another big choice they will need to make.
What will the Mets do? They have three options.
Keep rolling with Matz in the rotation
The definition of insanity comes to mind if Matz is in the rotation yet again in 2021. He hasn’t done enough to win the job outright. Unfortunately, with other holes about to open up, it’s looking like there’s a good chance we see him out there yet again next year.
Rick Porcello, Marcus Stroman, and Michael Wacha are all free agents after the 2020 season is over. Expecting more than one to return is a little outrageous. We also need to keep in mind that Noah Syndergaard may, in fact, not be ready at the start of the season. Tommy John Surgery has come a long way but it’s far from a lock.
I don’t like this option. Matz is combustible on the mound. The odds that we see him reinvent himself over the winter and come into the 2021 season feel slim.
Fortunately, the Mets have two other directions they can go.