The New York Mets are making starting pitching a top priority this offseason, with a willingness to invest heavily to improve their rotation. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns indicated Tuesday at the general managers meetings that the team's owner, Steve Cohen, is committed to supporting the necessary roster enhancements.
"Steve [Cohen] has demonstrated repeatedly throughout his ownership tenure that he’s going to support baseball operations and baseball operations needs," Stearns said. "I expect that to be the case this offseason as well."
While Stearns declined to comment on specific free agent pursuits, it was reported that Tarik Skubal, considered the top free agent pitcher available, is scheduled to meet with Mets officials next week. The Mets' current rotation options include Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Zac Thornton, Sean Manaea, and Tylor Megill, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Kodai Senga is also expected to begin the season as a starter after spending time in the bullpen last year.
Stearns acknowledged the importance of having starting pitchers capable of carrying a team through the playoffs. "Having a complete rotation is really important, and that includes having pitchers that successfully can get you through a playoff series," he stated. "We have seen over and over again in the playoffs that it can be constructed in a variety of different ways and so we’re open to doing it any way possible."
Despite a history of not favoring long-term contracts for free agent pitchers, Stearns suggested that each situation is evaluated individually. "Every situation is unique," Stearns said. "It’s been also well-publicized that ever since I have been here, we’ve engaged in extremely long-term negotiations for pitchers and we will do so again."
Stearns also addressed the potential for a new collective bargaining agreement and labor uncertainty, stating the team is preparing for the offseason as business as usual. "I really do think we have to go into this preparing for a season — a season that is highly consequential, and that is what we’re going to do," he said.
Beyond the rotation, Stearns identified the bullpen as another area needing reinforcement, along with potentially adding another bat. The team is considering options at first base, possibly complementing Jared Young or taking on the majority of playing time at the position.