Question Marks for 2018 Mets Rotation

As September moves along, New York Mets fans are being treated to extended spring training baseball. Players are focusing on crafting their game, in hopes of a better 2018. Amidst these meaningless games, questions brew for what will come in the offseason; will the Mets stay competitive, or will they continue to build for the future? One question for sure is, who will be in the Mets rotation next year?

There are high hopes that Noah Syndergaard will return in March ready to pitch in 2018. If he and Jacob deGrom can stay healthy for most of the year, that gives the Mets a very talented one-two punch at the top of the rotation. However, with the plague of injuries this year, it is uncertain who will be the three other starting pitchers to start off 2018.

Seth Lugo has been the most productive of the injured Mets starters, going 6-4 with a 4.64 ERA over 83.1 innings. He also had an impact in the WBC for Puerto Rico in March, in which he won a silver medal and proved he can be a competitive pitcher. If he can finish out September in stride, there is no question he can have a prominent role for the 2018 Mets.

Zack Wheeler was shut down for the season August 24, due to a stress reaction in his right arm. Although having glimpses of quality stuff through some outings, he finished the year going 3-7 with a 5.21 ERA over 86.1. Spring training could be crucial for Wheeler to prove a point to the Mets.

Steven Matz had elbow surgery August 23. There is no time table for his return yet, however he certainly had a rough 2017, going 2-7 with a 6.08 ERA over 66.2 innings. Matz is still young, however it is questionable whether he will be able to be a productive MLB pitcher after his injuries.

Matt Harvey’s wildly disappointing 2017 season keeps getting worse, as he has a 12.19 ERA in his last three starts. Following two arm surgeries, it is evident Harvey does not have his best stuff right now, and is searching for confidence. He holds a 5-5 record with a 6.14 ERA this year over 80.2 innings.

Robert Gsellman has been having trouble with his mechanics all year, and it is questionable if he is even truly ready for the majors or not. His power sinker gives the Mets a reason to keep him around, yet his 6-7 record and 5.58 ERA do not. It will be interesting what the Mets will do with him.

All in all, everything is really up in the air for 2018. The Mets will hope for health in the New Year, and that their pitchers can be productive like they once were.