3 best starting pitcher free agents for the NY Mets who won’t cost them draft picks

Of the remaining free agents, these might be the best starting pitchers who won't cost the Mets a pair of draft picks.
MLB: JUN 19 Mets at Braves
MLB: JUN 19 Mets at Braves | Icon Sportswire/GettyImages
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2) Lucas Giolito

There is a minor concern about Lucas Giolito because he finished the year on the IL. Before that, he made 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox and posted a strong 3.41 ERA. When it comes to Giolito, he’s a “box of chocolates” type of pitcher. You never really do know what you’re going to get.

ERAs of nearly 5.00 in 2022 and 2023 had Giolito feeling more like a fourth starter than a top-of-the-line arm. Prior to that, he received Cy Young consideration every year from 2019-2021. He didn’t pitch at all in 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, recovering fully in 2025 before an elbow issue late in the year.

New Mets pitching coach Justin Willard already has familiarity with Giolito to some extent. At 31-years-old, he’s the kind of free agent arm who might benefit from a one-year deal to, yet again, prove himself.

When Giolito was last available, the Mets were heavily involved in his market. They ended up going in a better direction, signing Sean Manaea and Luis Severino who proved to be healthy in 2024. Could the Mets circle back to him under far different circumstances? He’s one of the best free agents out there who won’t cost them the qualifying offer penalties.

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