NY Mets: Top 3 free agent starting pitchers to target ranked

2) Another target for the Mets in the Bay Area

One of the reasons the Giants had such a great year in 2021, was their starting pitching. Unfortunately for them, Alex Wood isn’t the only starter that is due to be a free agent, Anthony DeSclafani is as well, who could be a solid mid to back end of the rotation starter for the Mets.

This past season, DeSclafani put up a career-best with a 3.17 ERA and a 1.091 WHIP, while also throwing two complete game shutouts. DeSlafani has started 30 games and pitched over 165 innings three times, in his five full seasons as a starter in the majors.

DeSclafani isn’t a flamethrower on the mound with his fastball only averaging 94 mph. While he may not have the velocity, he does utilize his breaking pitches very well and very often.

DeSclafani threw his slider, which averages 88 mph, more than any other pitch in 2021, using it 35.7% of the time. His slider was also his best pitch when needing a strikeout, accounting for 74 of his 152 strikeouts last season.

What role would DeSclafani play on the Mets and to what cost?

DeSclafani isn’t someone who is going to be a flame-throwing top-of-the-line starter, but that is also not what the Mets need. The role DeSclafafni would fill would be a back end of the rotation starter, who could give the Mets consistent innings.

With incentives included, DeSclafani made slightly over $6 million this past season. Considering his age and his body of work, DeSclafani would likely command a deal that averages around $10 million per season.

With the Mets’ own free agents to be, along with their available own salary situation, DeSclafani could be an option, especially if either Syndergaard or Stroman don’t return to the Mets next season.

TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 30: Robbie Ray #38 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the first inning of their MLB game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on September 30, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

1) Ray is coming off a career year

The best and most realistic option for the Mets this offseason would be left-hander Robbie Ray from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ray is coming off a career season with the Blue Jays. He led the American League with 193 1/3 inning pitched, a 2.84 ERA, 284 strikeouts, and a 1.045 WHIP. Ray also led all of the majors, stranding 90.1% of his runners on base.

Ray vastly improved his numbers from the 2020 shortened season. In 2020 Ray struggled with both control and the home run ball, giving up 2.3 home runs per nine innings, while also walking 7.8 batters per nine innings.

The Jays have a couple of key players entering free agency this year along with Ray, most notably All-Star shortstop Marcus Semien and former Mets pitcher Steven Matz.

How would Ray fit with the Mets and what would his contract look like?

With Mets starting pitchers like Syndergaard, Stroman, and Hill all free agents, along with the second half struggles of Walker, Ray could easily be the Mets number two starter next season.

It is likely that the Mets bring back either Stroman or Syndergaard for next season, with a long-term deal being more likely for Stroman, while Syndergaard is more likely to return on a one-year qualifying offer.

Ray is coming off a one-year $8 million contract with the Jays. Ray is likely to command a deal slightly north of Nathan Eovaldi’s four-year $68 million deal with the Boston Red Socks.

One thing that could hurt Ray’s value is the amount of free agent starting pitchers. While some are likely to ink deals with their current teams, the list of free agents includes Scherzer, Verlander, Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, and Kevin Gausman.

Ray is not only one of the best options for the Mets, but also one of the most realistic considering their roster needs and cap considerations.

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Which of these starters would you like to see at Citi Field next year?