How the Mets can replicate the success of the last two National League pennant winners

The Mets starting rotation must improve or the team must upgrade from their current rotation.

The Mets rank in the bottom half of the majors in starting pitching ERA, WHIP, walks, and strikeouts. Their current rotation has been pedestrian at best, but more importantly, it has been inconsistent, and they need to be a better unit.

The Phillies were built on great starting pitching behind Aaron Nola and ex-Met Zack Wheeler. The latter has been excellent in the postseason the last two years, while the Diamondbacks had a great 1-2 punch in Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. The Mets best and most consistent starting pitcher so far in 2024 has been Luis Severino (3.12 ERA in 13 starts). The next best has been... Jose Butto (3.08 ERA in 7 starts). Butto is in the minors right now! That's how lacking the Mets are in their rotation.

The Mets can add to their rotation in three different ways. The first, and most obvious, method is to wait for Kodai Senga to come back from the lingering injury woes. The second is to recall Butto or Christian Scott. The third, and more difficult method, is to acquire outside help at the trade deadline, for a steep price, given that a lot of teams will be searching for rotation help.