NY Mets: Building the perfect yet realistic starting rotation for 2021

Jacob deGrom, New York Mets (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Jacob deGrom, New York Mets (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Mets rumors
Sep 16, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (12) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Jake Odorizzi

After an All-Star season in 2019 which saw Jake Odorizzi go 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA and striking out 10.1 batters per nine innings, Odorizzi decided to accept the qualifying offer from the Twins instead of pursuing a multi-year deal. This gamble failed as Odorizzi made just four starts in 2020 as he dealt with an intercostal strain, a blister, and a chest contusion after being hit in the chest by a line drive.

Even with that multitude of injuries, I am not concerned about his ability to stay healthy. Odorizzi made 28 starts every year since 2014 except for this past season. In his career Odorizzi has gone 62-56 with a 3.92 ERA, striking out 8.6 batters per nine. Odorizzi spent two of his three seasons in Minnesota with new Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner. Hefner was the assistant pitching coach in Minnesota. Odorizzi, like new Mets signee Trevor May, might want to reunite with Hefner after he helped Odorizzi produce his best season in 2019.

I believe Odorizzi is the second-best starter on the market behind Bauer. He is durable, was an all-star in his last full season, and has been more consistent than any of the other available starters in terms of health and productivity combined.

The hope would be for the Mets to somehow get the 30-year-old on a one-year deal but since he is the second-best starter available I don’t see that happening. MLB Trade Rumors is predicting that Odorizzi will land a three-year $39 million-dollar contract. I believe the years are a bit steep but if they can overpay a bit for two years that would be a great get. Sandy Alderson and new General Manager Jared Porter have been emphasizing adding pitching depth and Odorizzi would be great value for a fourth starter.