NY Mets Monday Morning GM: Free agent signings aren’t a problem until it counts

If you showed up to Citi Field this weekend, you saw something you didn’t expect. The New York Mets handed the Tampa Bay Rays three wins. Gifting them three victories meant taking three losses. The starting pitching wasn’t spectacular. After a mediocre outing by Clay Holmes on Friday, Tylor Megill followed it up with a stinker on Saturday, and Griffin Canning continued to morph into his old self on Sunday.

Adding to the miserable, rainy weekend is how two free agent signings the Mets made this offseason performed in their rehab outings.

Frankie Montas (again) struggled in an absolutely horrific outing that ended after 1.2 innings, 7 hits allowed, and 8 earned runs charged to him. Sean Manaea was only better by comparison for the Brooklyn Cyclones, going 2.1 innings and allowing 5 hits, 4 earned runs, and walking a pair. Is it a problem? Not until it matters.

Rehabbing Mets duo signed in free agency have raised red flags for an ailing rotation

Holmes, Megill, and Canning struggling over the weekend didn’t help make anyone feel better about the loss of Kodai Senga. As high as everyone should be on David Peterson following his complete game shutout, the rest of the rotation right now looks to have fallen on hard times. Holmes crossing over the threshold by already tossing more innings this season than any other is something to keep a close eye on.

Canning’s regular regression to the mean would have him inching closer to a bullpen role; if only the Mets had alternatives to feel confident in.

Paul Blackburn? Freshness of gas station sushi is more trustworthy right now.

It’s easy to see those rotten numbers out of Manaea and Montas and have a minor panic attack. It wasn’t a case of one bad pitch or inning. The pair have been annihilated by minor leaguers trying to make a name for themselves.

Your spirit’s PH level needs some adjusting if you can shrug off the numbers thus far. It’s not panic switch time and yet to dismiss it would be totally wrong. Let’s not forget who they are. Montas is a project much like Manaea was last year. Manaea is the far less concerning of the pair, but if not for his strong finish in 2024, some of the added sweat on our brow would be caused by him.

A pair of large free agent investments both getting hurt before the season begins sucks. Pitching as badly as they have against inferior competition makes it one of those red signs you’ll see outside of a forest held by Smokey the Bear. Whine, cry, or deny, only they can prevent these rehab numbers from becoming a forest fire upon their return.