NY Mets pitcher Tylor Megill might be enough for the fifth starter role

Excellent, unhittable, perfect, dominant, immaculate, flawless. These are all words I would not use to describe Tylor Megill’s first three starts with the New York Mets.

While not an elite debut by any stretch, Megill is getting results. He has struck out 19 of the first 59 MLB batters he has faced for a rate of 11.9 per nine. Matched with a 3.77 ERA that is more than suitable for a guy who no one saw coming this year, I’m very pleased with how things are going.

The timing is noteworthy as the Mets approach the trade deadline. Adding a starting pitcher has been on the mind of many for the last few weeks. Megill’s emergence could have them thinking otherwise.

Tylor Megill is pleading his case to remain in the Mets rotation

There are a couple of considerations to make as far as keeping Megill in the rotation goes. Is he actually prepared for the long haul? Since becoming a professional in 2018, Megill has topped out at 71.2 innings in a season. Combined with his minor league innings this year, he’s already at 54.2.

Promoting Megill to the majors wasn’t designed to fix the pitching woes and worries. Simply the best arm they had available on the farm, he got the call because of how well his 2021 was going. Able to carry it to the next level, the Mets have to be thinking right now how far they can continue to push him.

As a fifth starter, he’s more than adequate—at least for now. David Peterson should eventually return. Based on how Megill performs between now and then, we could see a big decision made and a once unexpected swap on the depth chart take place.

All year long the question with the Mets rotation has been about the return of Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard. The thought continues to dangle: when will we see these guys finally pitch?

If we look at the Mets rotation from the perspective of viewing Megill as a fifth starter, they’re all set. However, at the moment, he’s their number four guy.

It was inevitable that at some point the Mets would have a cluster of starters vying for five spots. Megill, even if he is pitching well through the end of the year, may eventually hit an innings limit and see his role dissipate.

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The bigger takeaway from Megill’s major league success might not have anything to do with what he can contribute this year. He has pled a strong case for next year’s rotation, a five-man group already in danger of missing a few pieces following free agency.