Mets: We overrated the starting rotation heading into 2020

High expectations for the 2020 Mets rotation

The Mets suffered several blows to their rotation prior to the commencement of the season. In December Zack Wheeler, who had been an instrumental piece of the starting rotation, signed a long-term deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.

In March, the team’s second-best starter, Noah Syndergaard, underwent Tommy John surgery and was ruled out for the entirety of the 2020 season. Marcus Stroman, whom the Mets traded for in July 2019, missed the beginning of the season after suffering a torn left calf muscle but repeatedly said he felt good and was optimistic to return quickly.

Jacob deGrom, coming off his second straight Cy Young-winning season, would headline a strong rotation. High expectations were set for Steven Matz, who was expected to be instrumental. The Mets did also sign both Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha during the offseason.

Even though neither pitcher had been particularly effective in several seasons, the baseball world liked the acquisitions. Porcello is a former Cy Young Award winner and Wacha was regarded as a good pitcher who’s been held back by injuries.

With regard to the bullpen, the signing of Dellin Betances is what propelled the Mets to the top of MLB’s bullpen rankings. Although Jeurys Familia wasn’t as good as he had been in the past and Edwin Diaz struggled greatly in his first year in Queens, many believed the two would bounce back to their normal selves in 2020.

Seth Lugo, who was arguably one of the most dominant relievers in the game last year, and Justin Wilson, who helped carry the bullpen in his debut season in Queens, would get some help. Brad Brach impressed in his few appearances in 2019 and would be back to help and the Mets also added Jared Hughes, who was one of the best relievers in the league for several years.