The state of the Mets starting rotation

Major League Baseball’s lockout may have put a deep freeze on the hot stove, but it gives us plenty of time to take stock of what was (and probably still is) the top offseason priority for the New York Mets: starting pitching.

It was not long ago – back before MLB turned players into generic silhouettes – when owner Steve Cohen and new General Manager Billy Eppler dramatically reshaped a team in desperate need of a facelift. A flurry of signings culminated in one of the most impactful and improbable additions in Mets history, when future Hall of Fame pitcher Max Scherzer was lured to Queens on a historic three-year deal.

Scherzer gives the Mets instant credibility after what was a tumultuous first year under new ownership, both on and off the field. At a macro view, it firmly cements their renewed position as a big market club willing to do whatever it takes to win a championship. On the field, it gives them an all-time dream duo at the top of the starting rotation with Jacob deGrom; combined, the two accounted for four straight National League Cy Young Awards from 2016-2019.

All of this said, the question remains: do the Mets have enough starting pitching to be a championship contender in 2022?

Let’s dissect the rotation in different parts to see who the Mets currently have, what each one’s role could be next year, and who could still be targeted in either free agency or trade if they need to add another arm or two.