NY Mets depth chart: 3 starting pitcher tiers updated after the Robert Stock injury

Starting pitching depth is something the New York Mets aren’t short on. Six major leaguers plus Tobias Myers gives them a stacked list of options. Beyond those 7, they have an additional group in the minors who can give them starts throughout the year.

They’ve already lost Robert Stock to what appears to be a season-ending injury or close to it. How do the tiers stack up now?

Tier 1 - Top prospects 

1) Christian Scott

It’ll be fascinating how the Mets handle Christian Scott. Coming off of Tommy John surgery, easing him into regular action makes sense. But do they really want to burn through another full year just trying to see what he can do? Scott received an early promotion in 2024. If the Mets need some upside starts early in 2026, he might be the top candidate.

2) Jonah Tong

Jonah Tong is in a different spot than Scott. A full year, or close to it, in 2026 can do him some good. He was prematurely called up last season out of need. The Mets probably learned their lesson. They need to treat him with a little more care and pull the trigger when later in the year rather than early.

3) Jack Wenninger

Jack Wenninger should make some noise this year as an early call-up candidate. However, his placement off of the 40-man roster and behind both Scott and Tong in terms of experience will have him waiting until late in the year.

4) Jonathan PIntaro

With Jonathan Pinataro, the best conclusion is probably for him to make a full-time shift to the bullpen. He continues to appear on top Mets prospect lists even without the big-time success in the upper minor leagues or in the majors briefly last year. He’ll probably fit in best as an opener type of pitcher.

Tier 2 - The less, the better

1) Brandon Waddell

Brandon Waddell pitched well for the Mets last year in a hybrid role. No longer optional and off of the 40-man roster, they’ll have to choose carefully when they do promote him. On the other side of 30, he’s not a long-term piece for the Mets. He’ll still have vultures circling if he hits the waiver wire at the right time.

2) Justin Hagenman

Justin Hagenman went into last year in a similar spot as Waddell. He got a major league contract but without any MLB experience. It wasn’t a memorable tour with the Mets in 2025. He’s probably best as a longman. What’ll help him is two remaining minor league options. The Mets can bear to be patient.

3) Anyone else over 25

After you celebrate 25 birthdays, you’re not really all that interesting when you’re in the minor leagues. There are exceptions. Scott is already over. Guys like Joander Suarez, Jordan Geber, etc. might have limited chances. They’re just way down the depth chart.

Tier 3 - Interesting but not promising

1) Carl Edwards Jr. 

There hasn’t been much discussion about Carl Edwards Jr.’s exact purpose with the Mets. Upon the signing, it was reported the team intended to stretch him out to be a starter. A longtime major league reliever with some good seasons in the past, it’s interesting yet not promising for him to do much more than luck into a win in a start for the Mets at some point this year.