This is the best possible Mets rotation for Opening Day 2024

The New York Mets currently have three major holes in their starting rotation entering this offseason following the departures of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander and the regression of David Peterson and others. The task to reform the rotation is steep, though not as deep as last year, as Max Scherzer was the only holdover from the projected rotation without injuries. This year, they have Kodai Senga and José Quintana in place for 2024.

However, with the Mets still probably a year away from their top pitching prospects being truly ready for the majors, like Mike Vasil and Blade Tidwell, the Mets will need to look outside the organization to assemble a competitive rotation for next year. And there are plenty of opportunities for the Mets to retool for next year. So here is the best possible rotation, given that the Mets might not spend like drunken sailors they did the last two winters.

No. 1 starter for the best possible New York Mets rotation in 2024: LHP Julio Urías

When Julio Urías was called up to make his MLB debut in 2016, he was just 19 years old, and was one of the youngest starting pitchers ever to debut in the big leagues. And his career has been an up and down one with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He started out with control issues, innings limits, and even a domestic violence situation during his first four years. However, Urias turned it around by pitching tough and clutch innings for the Dodgers in their World Series run in 2020, won 20 games in 2021, and led the NL with a 2.16 ERA and 188 ERA+ last season.

But this season has been one of inconsistency and injury for Urías, as he has had trouble putting away hitters, and missed six weeks due to a hamstring issue. His ERA is 4.69, more than twice the number from last season, while opponents are hitting .251 against him, over 50 points higher than his mark from last season.

And because of these unfortunate happenings in his walk year, Urías' price may come down a bit, and it may be one the Mets can afford, given that they won't shell out $40 million a year, or even $30 million a year to a starting pitcher to help the Mets.

Urías, even in his struggles, doesn't walk many batters, still induces soft contact better than most, and has shown quality more often than not. Urias would be a perfect top-of-the-rotation guy for the Mets going forward, should the Mets sign him this offseason.