The state of the Mets starting rotation

Pivot Pieces: Tylor Megill, David Peterson

Perhaps no two roster spots can pivot in more directions next year than those presently occupied by Megill and Peterson.

After not pitching past Double-A coming into 2021, Megill was summoned from the minor leagues in June out of necessity as the Mets were beset by injuries to the pitching staff. Thrust into the fire, the 2018 pick out of Arizona responded with a stellar 3.21 ERA over his first 11 big league starts. As the Mets’ season spiraled downward in mid-August, however, so did Megill’s, with a 6.81 ERA over his final seven outings.

One of the voids Megill helped fill was that left by Peterson. After impressing in his rookie season (6-2, 3.44 ERA in 10 outings during 2020), the left-hander struggled to find his command in 2021, pitching to a 5.54 ERA over 15 starts before multiple lower body injuries ended his season.

Judging purely on each one’s situation heading into the winter, it would seem Megill has an upper hand on a rotation spot over Peterson. Realistically, though, neither is guaranteed to even make the club out of spring training, particularly if the Mets decide to bring in another veteran arm (more on that shortly). Both have potential, but the Mets must also weigh the benefits of building up their innings and experience at Triple-A versus having them continue learning on the job in the majors.

Bottom Line: For a team in win-now mode, the Mets should allow Megill and Peterson to develop properly with consistent innings at Triple-A Syracuse while seeking another veteran starter.