Here's how the NY Mets rotation needs to immediately line itself up

The New York Mets are barreling toward the final 13 games with a rotation that, outside a few reliable arms, has routinely put them at a disadvantage. Early innings stretch into long, costly outings, leaving the team scrambling from the first pitch. Every start should now be considered playoff baseball, and there’s no room for a rotation that puts the Mets behind before their bats even swing.

There is a clear route the Mets could follow, one that could finally turn this rotation into an asset. By relying on Brandon Sproat, Nolan McLean, and David Peterson for more starts and cutting the six-man carousel, the team could get the rotation working for them instead of hindering them. The coming stretch will test not only talent, but strategic deployment.

To salvage September, the Mets need to focus on their best arms.

The Mets have 13 games in 15 days to end the season, and they can’t afford to waste starts from shaky arms. Peterson, Sproat, and McLean are the rotation’s most reliable pitchers, and with careful planning, each could make three starts over the final two weeks. That’s nine of the remaining 13 games in the hands of pitchers who give the Amazins a chance to compete.

Off days on September 15 and 22 make the math simple. Space the top three on normal rest, and they carry the bulk of the stretch; the other four games can be handled by remaining starters piggybacking or opening until the main arms are ready. It’s rotation triage — prioritize what works and stop wasting innings on starters who struggle early.

This plan also guarantees that at least two of the three top arms are on the mound in every series to close out the season. That consistency increases the chances of taking series wins and puts the Mets in a position to control the pace rather than chase it. By concentrating starts where it matters most, the rotation becomes a weapon instead of a liability.

McLean shows exactly how this plan works. He could start Sunday against the Rangers on normal rest and make three starts in the stretch. He would also be available for the season finale on four days’ rest — or even Game 1 of the Wild Card round, should the Mets make it. Precision will be key, but this approach gives the Mets a concrete path to regain control in September.

If the Mets lean on Peterson, Sproat, and McLean as planned, they could turn the final 13 games into a decisive stretch. Every start would matter, giving the team a chance to maximize its best arms and regain control of the rotation. Executed correctly, this approach could position the Mets to carry momentum straight into October.