Updated NY Mets starting rotation prediction after signing Clay Holmes

The New York Mets finalized a deal Friday night to bring former Yankee closer Clay Holmes to Queens on a 3 year, $38 million deal to become a starter. While initially shocking, David Stearns has been known to flex his wit when it comes to under the radar pitching signings and this appears to be no different.

After seeing Luis Severino ink a 3 year, $67 million deal with the A's, starting pitchers have become more expensive then ever before. Which is why the Mets will likely not sign pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or re-sign fan favorite Sean Manea. So where do they pivot?

Mets need to trade for pitchers under team control

Teams with young starting pitchers under team control have become a proverbial goldmine for teams looking to sell. Garett Crochet blossomed in 2024 on the historically bad White Sox. After being promoted to the rotation, he finished with a respectable 3.33 ERA, 115 ERA+, and 209 K in 32 games started. Not to mention he is under team control through 2026.

Mets number two prospect SS/CF Jett Williams is bound to be at the center of trade packages for Crochet. While the Mets may be reluctant to give up a prospect of Jett’s caliber, it is going to take that and more to land the young left-hander.

This is where Stearns needs to shine and put together a package centered around Williams to acquire Crochet and finalize a legit rotation worthy of a contender.

As it currently stands, the Mets starting rotation consists of Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, and Tylor Megill. While the Mets added a much needed arm in Holmes, there is still work to be done. Coming off their worst season in franchise history, the White Sox are looking to cash in their young ace. On the contrary, the Mets are missing an ace with an abundance of MLB ready prospects with no where to play. Setting the stage for these teams to strike a deal that both teams can benefit from.