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.