Mets Can Target These Bargain Deals Heading Into December
The New York Mets are in desperate need of starting pitching heading into the offseason. With three of their key starters, who made 31 or more starts last season, entering free agency, the team has significant gaps to fill. While they have promising names returning—highlighted by Kodai Senga, who’s expected to be fully ready for 2024—they still need to reinforce their rotation.
Fortunately, this year’s free-agent market is deep with pitching talent. While top-tier names like Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell dominate the headlines, there are several underrated options available. The Mets could seize the opportunity to secure a “Black Friday” deal by pursuing these five veteran pitchers:
1. Spencer Turnbull
Spencer Turnbull has had a turbulent few years, missing most of 2021 through 2023 and sitting out entirely in 2022. Despite these setbacks, his 2024 season began promisingly with the Philadelphia Phillies before being cut short by a lat strain.
In the 54.1 innings he pitched, Turnbull posted an impressive 2.65 ERA, 3.85 FIP, and 1.05 WHIP, striking out 26.1% of batters while maintaining a respectable 0.99 HR/9 rate. Though his .233 BABIP suggests he benefited from some luck, metrics like his 3.80 xFIP and 3.67 SIERA reinforce his potential as a quality addition.
Turnbull’s ability to limit hard contact, supported by his 47.5% groundball rate and solid barrel percentage, makes him an intriguing low-risk, high-reward option—provided he’s back to full health.
2. Trevor Williams
Trevor Williams, a familiar face to Mets fans, delivered solid performances during his 2021 and 2022 stints in New York. After a shaky 2023 season with the Nationals, he rebounded in 2024 with a stellar campaign, albeit limited to 13 starts and 66.2 innings.
Williams excelled with a 2.03 ERA, 2.79 FIP, and 1.04 WHIP. His 22.7% strikeout rate was a career-best, and his 0.41 HR/9 rate showcased his effectiveness at limiting home runs. While his .267 BABIP may signal regression, estimators like his 3.82 xFIP and 3.13 xERA indicate he remains a reliable arm.
At 33 years old, Williams could provide the Mets with steady mid-rotation production, delivering a 3.50-4.00 ERA when healthy.
3. Matthew Boyd
Matthew Boyd’s career has been marred by inconsistency and injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2023. However, his 2024 stint with the Cleveland Guardians offered a glimpse of his potential. Boyd recorded a 2.72 ERA, 3.29 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP across 39.2 innings, with a strong 27.7% strikeout rate and 0.91 HR/9.
Boyd also impressed during the postseason, allowing just one earned run in 11.2 innings. While his recent performance came in a small sample size, it was one of the most dominant stretches of his career. Boyd could provide the Mets with an affordable left-handed option in the rotation.
4. Tomoyuki Sugano
Japanese veteran Tomoyuki Sugano is once again testing MLB waters after a stellar 2024 season with the Yomiuri Giants. Sugano posted a 1.67 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a remarkable 6.94 K:BB ratio. Known for his elite command, Sugano walked just 2.6% of batters while utilizing a versatile six-pitch arsenal.
While the transition from Japan’s pitcher-friendly league to MLB remains a question, Sugano’s exceptional control and diverse repertoire make him a compelling candidate to succeed in the Majors. The Mets could benefit from his experience and poise on the mound.
5. Jakob Junis
Jakob Junis quietly put together another solid season in 2024, splitting time between the Brewers and Reds. Serving primarily as a swingman, Junis started six of his 24 appearances, delivering a 2.59 ERA, 3.69 FIP, and 0.85 WHIP.
Though his strikeout rate dipped to 20.2%, Junis offset it with elite control, walking just 3.2% of batters. While he benefited from a low .224 BABIP, his underlying metrics—3.87 xFIP and 3.83 xERA—suggest he could provide value as a back-end starter.
At 32, Junis offers versatility and consistency, qualities the Mets could leverage as they bolster their rotation.
Final Thoughts
As the Mets navigate the offseason, finding affordable yet effective starting pitchers is critical. These five pitchers offer varying levels of upside and could serve as key contributors to a rotation in need of depth. By capitalizing on these potential deals, the Mets can position themselves for a competitive 2024 season.
