5 Mets free agent targets who could be great candidates to get their mojo back in 2024

5) Lucas Giolito

Lucas Giolito was one of the best pitchers in the American League in a three-year period from 2019-2021. Those seasons included an all-star appearance and three top 11 Cy Young finishes. He finished as high as sixth back in 2019.

Unfortunately, Giolito struggled last season and after a promising start to 2023 with the White Sox, really faltered as the season progressed. He wound up finishing this season with a 4.88 ERA in 33 starts and 184.1 innings pitched in stints with the White Sox, Angels, and Guardians.

Giolito coming off two down years isn't the most appealing option in the world, but the Mets need a lot of rotation help. I fully expect them to sign a guy like Yoshinobu Yamamoto to pair at the top of the rotation with Kodai Senga, but the back-end of the rotation leaves a lot to be desired assuming New York has no interest in throwing guys like David Peterson, Tylor Megill, or Joey Lucchesi out there.

What is appealing about Giolito is that even if he isn't at his best, he's certainly durable. He's made at least 29 starts in each of the last five full seasons with at least 160 innings pitched. The Mets lacked any sort of consistency outside of Senga just in terms of who'd make a start every fifth day. Giolito gives them that consistent option with the chance of him re-discovering his form. A 29-year-old durable starter with upside makes all the sense in the world to me.