Despite sporting one of the best rotations on paper, the Mets do have a dilemma to sort out regarding their starting rotation. Fortunately for them, the problem they have is a good one.
The starting rotation has three locks for those who have spots. These pitchers are 2x Cy Young Winner Jacob DeGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Marcus Stroman.
For the final two spots, it comes down to Steven Matz, and free agent acquisitions Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello, replacing Zach Wheeler who left the division rival, Philadelphia Phillies.
Porcello has been a quality pitcher since his Cy Young year, but dropped off significantly last season. His ability to recover is being monitored closely. Per reports, he is the favorite for the 4th spot.
After peaking in his 2015, Wacha has had a slow decline in his stat line leading to this year. However, he has shown great amounts of improvement displayed by his Spring Training performance as of now. He has given up 3 hits, thrown 3 strikeouts, and given up 0 runs in 5 innings pitched.
Through several interviews thus far, Wacha seems to have regained his confidence; which is very promising to see.
Matz has been a starter for the Mets since his rookie year in the 2015 season. As he has been known as more of an innings eater, he has still had decently effective numbers, including an 11-10 record last year.
I strongly feel it would be wise to keep Porcello at the fourth spot, and use Matz as an opener due to the fact that he is used to starting games immediately after his whole routine. Having him come out of the bullpen will have a negative adjustment on his performance.
Wacha can take the position as a main reliever, and if anyone gets hurt, the organization has done a good enough job providing depth to this area of the team.
