3 Mets rumors we'll be glad never came true, 3 we'll wish did happen

We’ll wish the Mets rumors of signing Lucas Giolito came true

Was Lucas Giolito going to be the difference-maker the Mets needed? Maybe not. But for a team with as many questions as they have in the rotation and even in the bullpen to some extent, having a true innings eater would’ve bailed them out plenty.

Let’s keep in mind we can’t look back at what the Mets should’ve or shouldn’t have done this offseason with the Kodai Senga injury in mind. By the time he went down, it was too late to retroactively sign many of their rumored targets. Giolito is included here.

Prior to signing with the Boston Red Sox, Giolito was someone Mets fans were practically demanding. They’d later turn to Sean Manaea which isn’t such a bad deal. Manaea’s deal is worth $28 million with a player option for 2025. Giolito, meanwhile, is on a two-year deal worth $38.5 million. It also includes a team option for 2026.

Giolito is more expensive, but his ceiling is also greater. Three seasons of Cy Young consideration versus the zero from Manaea shows a proven track record of outpitching the guy the Mets did end up landing instead.

No one should riot over the Mets’ choice, however, they did get the arm that’s more likely to be average. In an upcoming season where they added a guy like Luis Severino who has ace potential, having another like Giolito would’ve looked especially good. No one would blame them if he ended up flat on his face. Well, someone would. That’s baseball fandom.