On Facebook
On Flipboard
Does the Sean Manaea signing give the Mets the NL's best rotation?
With the news early Monday that the New York Mets had reportedly re-signed starting pitcher Sean Manaea to a three-year, $75 million deal, the arms race in the National League continues to heat up.
Over the weekend, the Philadelphia Phillies rounded out their strong rotation by making a trade with the Miami Marlins for Jesus Luzardo. Quality starting pitching is at an all-time premium in Major League Baseball, and teams like the Phillies and Mets are stocking up on pitchers who they believe will carry them to the World Series.
That is, of course, the same philosophy the Los Angeles Dodgers used last season on their way to a World Series title. The Dodgers have also showed no signs of slowing down their quest to have the top pitching staff in all of baseball by signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal at the end of the November.
With all of that in mind, which team has the NL's top rotation as it currently stands? We'll use FanGraphs' version of WAR (Wins Above Replacement) to determine that, as well as the site's Roster Resource page which predicts the Opening Day starting rotation.
As a note, according to FanGraphs, "WAR is defined as the number of wins a player adds to his team compared to a replacement level player." You can find a much deeper dive into the various kinds of WAR (including FanGraphs' version, which is shortened to fWAR) here.
Philadelphia Phillies — 15.9 fWAR
Zack Wheeler (4.6), Aaron Nola (3.2), Cristopher Sanchez (3.2), Ranger Suarez (2.9), Jesus Luzardo (2.0)
The Luzardo trade strengthened the back end of a Phillies rotation that FanGraphs considers to be the best in the National League. However, while the rotation may be set in Philadelphia, are there still moves coming with the lineup as trade rumors around Alec Bohm continue to swirl?
Los Angeles Dodgers — 15.0 fWAR
Tyler Glasnow (3.7), Blake Snell (3.6), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (3.1), Shohei Ohtani (2.8), Dustin May (1.8)
Sure, there are questions around just how big of an impact Ohtani will have after returning to the mound following Tommy John surgery, but MLB fans should have learned by now that betting against anything Ohtani-related is a fool's enterprise.
Also, keep an eye on Glasgow's return from an elbow injury that kept him out of the 2024 postseason. He's had a history of arm issues (including Tommy John surgery), so will he stay healthy in 2025?
Atlanta Braves — 11.4 fWAR
Chris Sale (4.5), Reynaldo Lopez (2.7), Spencer Schwellenbach (2.7), Grant Holmes (0.8), Ian Anderson (0.7)
While this may be how the Atlanta rotation looks like right now, don't be surprised if the Braves make a move to shore it up ahead of Opening Day. Also, don't forget Spencer Strider (elbow surgery) will be rejoining the Braves later in the campaign. That will shift the look of this group dramatically.
Also, can Chris Sale repeat his 2024 dominance? That will help determine just how good this Atlanta rotation can be.
New York Mets — 9.8 fWAR
Kodai Senga (2.5), Sean Manaea (2.0), Clay Holmes (1.9), Frankie Montas (1.8), David Peterson (1.6)
The Mets are betting on healthy years from Senga and Montas (and it is a gamble) and that Clay Holmes' transition back to being a starter will go smoothly. If it all works, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns will be hailed as a genius. If it doesn't, the first year of the Juan Soto reign in Queens could be dicey.
However, there may also be more lying under the surface for the Mets as well.
David Stearns has referenced wanting 8-10 MLB-caliber starters on the Mets' depth chart. He's clearly achieved that.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 23, 2024
1. Manaea
2. Senga
3. Montas
4. Holmes
5. Peterson
6. Canning
7. Blackburn
8. Megill
9. Buttó
Prospects Sproat, Tidwell, McLean could also contribute in 2025.
The Mets' rotation may not be loved by FanGraphs right now, but its depth could pay dividends later in the season.
More must-reads:
- Mets may be Pete Alonso's last option
- Phillies trade for former 200-strikeout pitcher
- The 'Multiple 100-RBI MLB seasons' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Yankees Ask About Pirates Star, as Pirates Scout Yankees Prospect
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Noah Hiles has learned that the New York Yankees have asked the Pittsburgh Pirates about Oneil Cruz. In what may or may not have been a related matter, Pirates scouts were in Toronto on Tuesday night to observe Yankees starter Cam Schlittler, according to MLB Marathon. Yankees Ask About Pirates Star, as Pirates Scout Yankees Prospect Hiles further reports that Pirates general manager Ben Cherington isn’t inclined to move Cruz. However, as the saying goes, everybody has a price. The Pirates would love to emerge from the deadline with one or more controllable, major league-ready hitters. Cruz could be moved if Cherington is overwhelmed by the return. Yankees Asked Pirates About Oneil Cruz We’d previously reported that the Yankees have asked the Pirates about five players. Make that six. At six-foot-seven, 240 pounds, the left-handed batting Cruz, 26, has natural talent that would make any scout’s mouth water. After Wednesday’s game, Cruz is batting .219/.319/.419, 16 HR, and 40 RBI, with a major league-leading 33 stolen bases. Blessed with speed, power, and a strong arm, he regularly registers high Statcast marks for velocity, whether off the bat or from his arm. His 57.9 percent hard-hit rate far surpasses the major league average. He got a chance to show off his power to the nation as a participant in this year’s Home Run Derby. He didn’t win, but he had some of the most impressive shots. Cruz can also be frustrating at times. Despite substantially reducing his chase rate to 26.9 percent, he carries a 31.9 percent strikeout rate. He’s had mental lapses in the field and instances where his effort has been called into question. Cruz began his career as a shortstop. After committing 24 errors there in 2024, he was moved to center field late in the season. He’s learning the position on the fly. So far, he’s been charged with -4 Fielding Runs Above Average, -7 Defensive Runs Saved, and a major league-leading seven outfield errors. Where Cruz Fits with the Yankees (If At All) Where Cruz fits with the Yankees is a puzzling question. There doesn’t seem to be room in their outfield. He’s certainly not replacing Aaron Judge. Nor does he seem to be a significant upgrade over their other outfielders or designated hitter Ben Rice. Rice, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger are left-handed batters. Jasson Dominguez is a switch-hitter. Thus, Cruz doesn’t seem to be even a platoon option. Where the Yankees can use an upgrade is on the left side of their infield. That’s why they’ve inquired about Ke’Bryan Hayes and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Third baseman Oswald Peraza is hitting a weak .147/.208/.237, 3 HR, and 13 RBI. Shortstop Anthony Volpe was once highly touted for his potential. However, playing regularly for three seasons now, he has a lifetime slash line of .224/.288/.379. His 13 home runs for 2025 are nothing to sneeze at, but in addition to his otherwise woeful batting performance, he also leads major league shortstops with 13 errors and has been a frequent target of fan vitriol. In light of the above, one wonders whether the Yankees would move Cruz back to his original shortstop position. That would be a gamble because Cruz last played the position, and not well, in August 2024. Cruz and the Yankees might be a gamble regardless of how he’s deployed. The rough fans and media in New York won’t respond kindly to his propensity for striking out and occasional brain cramps. Pittsburgh crowds can be tough, too, but nothing like what Cruz would likely encounter in the Bronx. The Yankees should strongly consider the potential impact on Cruz. Pirates Looked at Cam Schlittler Schlittler is a six-foot-six, 225-pound right-handed starting pitcher whom the Yankees called up earlier this month. His major league career consists of two starts. In 10 1/3 innings, he’s given up five earned runs on 11 hits, two of which were home runs, and five walks while striking out 10. Last Sunday, we reported on speculation that Schlittler and outfielder Spencer Jones could be the return in a deal for Hayes and David Bednar. At that time, Jones was rated the Yankees’ No. 2 prospect and Schlittler was ranked No. 6. Since then, MLB Pipeline has revised its prospect lists. Schlittler had been propelled to No. 3, and Jones dropped to No. 4. Some Pirates observers might find it odd that the Pirates, pitching-rich at the major and minor league levels, would scout another pitcher. However, a deal involving Mitch Keller or Andrew Heaney would leave a hole in the rotation. No. 1 prospect Bubba Chandler was projected to arrive in Pittsburgh this summer, but he’s struggled of late. The asking price for Cruz might be a hitter and a pitcher from the Yankees prospect list. Schlittler, 24, features a fastball that’s touched 98 mph and on which scouts have hung a 60 rating. The fastball’s movement makes it difficult to lift in the air. He also offers two effective breaking pitches with his slider and curveball. Scouts are less enthusiastic about his changeup. In 2023, he was the pitcher of the year in both the High-A and South Atlantic League and the Yankees organization. Before he got the call, this year he had a 2.82 ERA and 1.213 WHIP across two minor league levels. The Last Word One thing’s for sure: Yankees GM Brian Cashman won’t spend this trade deadline sitting on his hands. As I write this, the Yankees are 56-46, four games out of first place in the American League East Division and would be the top Wild Card entry if the season ended today. On the other hand, Cherington will be busy unloading expiring contracts. He’ll listen on controllable pieces like Cruz, Hayes, and Keller, but with this Pirates season so far gone, he doesn’t necessarily have to move them if he doesn’t like the deal. Time will tell whether there’s a match between the two clubs.
Steelers Teammates Are Noticing Great Differences From Aaron Rodgers: 'A Guy That's Bought In'
The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting quarterback situation that has been monitored by NFL fans throughout the 2025 offseason. The organization was in pursuit of four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers for over three months, and the quarterback finally signed a one-year deal. He was then in Pittsburgh for mandatory minicamp. He is the unquestioned starter heading into the 2025 season, and he is coming off of a quietly good season with the New York Jets in 2024 statistically. He was bouncing back from a serious injury, so it should be expected for him to play even better in 2025. Rodgers got better as the 2024 season went along after missing all of 2023, and he is now further removed from his Achilles injury. He has a decent amount of weapons on Pittsburgh's offense, and the team is expected to rely on its run game and defense once again. Rodgers won't be asked to do too much, which should be a recipe for success for the 41-year old quarterback. Will Howard spoke to the media in Latrobe, PA on Thursday morning, and he had nothing but great things to say about the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh. The 41-year old has been heavily criticized in the media in the past for being a bad teammate, but every report that has come out of Pittsburgh has suggested otherwise. Rodgers has already expressed his willingness to mentor Howard and show him the ropes as he goes through his rookie season, which is something that has gotten a lot of the fan base in Pittsburgh excited about the addition of Rodgers. Rodgers has always been misunderstood throughout his career. He has been blamed for countless things that simply weren't his fault. It seemed that everything that went wrong with the Jets was somehow because of the quarterback, despite the fact that the Jets organization has been one of the worst in all of sports over the last decade or so. The fan base in Pittsburgh was frustrated with the way Rodgers handled his free agency, as he seemed to drag out his signing with Pittsburgh. The quarterback said he was dealing with some things in his personal life that made him want to take his time, which some fans took issue with. After these new comments from Howard, the fans should completely flip in their opinions on Rodgers. He is approaching this job with the Steelers in a positive manner, he is bought in, and he is helping the younger guys on the roster. Steelers’ Offense Has A Chance To Be The Best Its Been With Aaron Rodgers The offense in Pittsburgh has been inconsistent, and sometimes absolutely stagnant in recent years. The run game has fallen apart at times, and the quarterback play has been abysmal on occasion. That shouldn't be the case in 2025, as Rodgers' experience and talent should be able to take the unit to the next level, especially if the offensive line can take a step forward. This will open up the run game, which will only help the offense as a whole. Rodgers will have an absolute animal to throw to on the outside in DK Metcalf, as well as some speedsters in Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. Pittsburgh also rosters one of the best tight end rooms in the league with Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. Rodgers will be able to end his career on a high note with these weapons, and the near-decade long draught of playoff success could come to a close.
New York Knicks Predicted to Trade Karl-Anthony Towns For Dallas Mavericks Star
The New York Knicks have had a busy summer thus far as they have made multiple additions to their roster to try and improve off their run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Of course, the Knicks also made a head coaching change to begin the summer as they fried Tom Thibodeau and replaced him with two-time Coach of the Year winner Mike Brown. During free agency, New York added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele to upgrade their bench at a cheap cost, which is an area that they struggled with last season. The Knicks do have one more roster spot open which they will likely use to add another veteran player to their bench. While the Knicks have focused on upgrading their depth this summer, Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell recently created a mock trade that would see New York send Karl-Anthony Towns to the Dallas Mavericks for one of their star players along with depth. In the trade, the Knicks would acquire Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington from the Mavericks while Dallas would land Towns and Vit Krejci. The Atlanta Hawks are the third team involved in the trade and they would receive Caleb Martin and two second-round picks from the Mavericks. For the Knicks, it would be a tough decision to move on from Towns but they would be able to fill some glaring holes in their roster with their return in this deal. Thompson would give them a much-needed three-point sharpshooter in their starting lineup while both Washington and Gafford would be major additions to their frontcourt, especially on the defensive end. Despite this, the Mavericks may not want to move on from three of their key players to acquire Towns, who struggled in the playoffs last season, primarily on defense. While that may be the case, making this trade would be a massive upgrade to the Knicks’ lineup and depth that could make them the team to beat in the Eastern Conference next season.
'The measurables are there' Vikings DC Brian Flores praises promising UDFA with a profile that can translate to on-field success
The Minnesota Vikings have made a living of finding UDFAs who make the roster. Since general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took the job going into the 2022 offseason, the Vikings have kept eight UDFAs on the initial 53-man roster and this year looks to be no different. There are quite a few different UDFAs who have a chance to make the roster, especially on defense, but one has gotten a lot more attention than others across the board: Utah CB Zemaiah Vaughn. Zemaiah Vaughn has Brian Flores' attention Before the second training camp practice, defensive coordinator Brian Flores spoke with the media and was specifically asked about Vaughn and what excited him about the tall, lanky cornerback out of Utah. "Size. Obviously, you guys walk on the field and see a guy with six two long arms a corner can run. So, the measurables are there. We brought him in on a (top) 30 (visit). He was really very good, just from a mental standpoint, acumen standpoint, he works hard. You put all those things together, and it's something that you're excited to work with any work. He works at it, and really, just as a general message to our guys, it's really four things: be on time. That's number one. And then, you know, work hard in every area, whether it's in the weight room or, obviously, on the field, in the meeting rooms and walk throughs. "So work hard, be unselfish. Because, this is a game where there's 11 guys on the field and everybody relies on somebody else to do their job, for them to do their job, for us to be efficient as a defense. And the last thing I ask is for those guys to have fun. And that's the message that I gave to the team. I think specific to Zemaiah, and to any young player, if you can do those four things, then you put yourself in the best position and that's what we're trying to do with each one of these guys." Vaughn is a very intriguing player, especially for a defense that plays a lot of cover-3 like the Vikings do. He's got excellent straight-line speed and linear explosiveness to click-and-close on the football. That ability is very important to Flores' defense, and when you add in the 32" arms on the 6-2.5 frame. Yes, he only weighs 186 lbs, but the length and explosiveness is legit. Being a UDFA doesn't mean anything when it comes to making the roster, but hearing these words from Flores is a great start.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
