Dream Mets starting rotation for the 2024 season

Dream NY Mets starting rotation #4 starter: Sonny Gray

This is where the dream might point towards being a bit unrealistic, but I'd like to think with the Mets likely not making a massive splash offensively, they can afford it.

Sonny Gray has quietly been one of the more consistent pitchers in baseball since he debuted back in 2013 for Oakland. He's posted just three seaons with an ERA above 4.00, the same amount of seasons he's had sub-3.00 ERA's.

One of those seasons came in 2023 when Gray helped lead Minnesota to a division title. The right-hander posted a 2.79 ERA in 32 starts and 184 innings pitched. There's a very good chance he finishes as the AL Cy Young runner-up behind Gerrit Cole.

There are a couple of potential negatives that would come with signing Gray. First, he has the qualifying offer attached. If the Mets were to sign him, they'd have to forfeit a draft pick. Additionally, there are some concerns about his ability to pitch in New York. Gray certainly wasn't at his best with the Yankees, but there are additional factors that might explain why. Considering the fact that Gray has a 3.26 postseason ERA in six starts, I wouldn't worry too much about that.

What makes Gray an even more intriguing option is his projected price tag. Jon Heyman of the NY Post and two experts predicted he'd land a three-year deal worth between $65 and $72 million. It's not nothing, but Taijuan Walker signed a deal that gave him four years and $72 million last offseason. Obviously, age is a factor here and Gray is 34, but that still feels very team-friendly.