Mets Rumors: Add Mike Foltynewicz to the list of starters the team is interested in

Jul 21, 2020; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (26) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2020; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (26) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Legends never die nor do New York Mets rumors linking them to free agent starting pitchers. According to Jon Heyman, the latest Mets rumors have them showing interest in free agent Mike Foltynewicz.

You probably remember Foltynewicz best from his days with the Atlanta Braves. He spent the last six seasons there pitching mediocre to very good. The 2018 season was by far his greatest. Folty was an All-Star while going 13-10 with a 2.85 ERA.

Originally drafted by the Houston Astros 19th overall in 2010, Foltynewicz never quite lived up to expectations in Atlanta. Now available for a team like the Mets to pick up, we now have to ask ourselves if he’s worth it.

It’s no shock to see any young free agent pitcher enter the list of Mets rumors

On the plus side, Foltynewicz is still young. He turned 29 in October and hasn’t been an absolute failure in the major leagues. On a one-year “make good” deal it does make some sense for the Mets to pursue.

The Mets make a little more sense with a pitcher like him because of the expected arrival mid-year of Noah Syndergaard. Thor’s return would push an arm out of the rotation. A player of Foltynewicz’s ilk could more easily move to the bullpen than a pricier name.

As Heyman noted in his what has felt like daily tweet regarding Mets rumors, there is some competition. The Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Chicago White Sox are all thought to have interest in him as well. But what else is new? He’s a free agent pitcher on the right side of 30 and probably quite affordable at the moment.

Among the Mets’ current needs, starting pitcher might not be the biggest priority. Center field still seems to be a focus and the chance at having a DH in 2021 should mean a harder pursuit of one of the available names.

The hottest part of the offseason may have already cooled off for this team, however. Finishing touches such as Foltynewicz might be all they have left in the tank.

Best starting pitchers the Mets have signed in free agency. Next

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But until Trevor Bauer has signed somewhere and the Mets have yet to add another arm into the mix, I think we’ll see plenty more in regards to this club and a possible rotation addition.