Report: Mets still pursuing rotation upgrades

The New York Mets had several holes to fill in the rotation this offseason. Starters Sean Manaea, Luis Severino and Jose Quintana were free agents, with Severino signing with the A's. 

The Mets have begun filling out the rotation behind Kodai Senga. Frankie Montas signed a two-year, $34 million contract which includes an opt-out after the 2025 season. Clay Holmes signed a three-year deal worth approximately $38 million with the Mets hoping to convert him to the rotation. Otherwise, Holmes will serve as a setup man for closer Edwin Diaz.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets are not done addressing the rotation. The Mets are reportedly interested in bringing Manaea back, as well as free agents Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Flaherty and Nick Pivetta.

The qualifying offer could be a factor for the Mets. Manaea and Pivetta both declined the qualifying offer, tying draft pick or international bonus pool compensation to their potential signings. Flaherty, as he was traded at the deadline, and Eovaldi were not eligible for the offer and would not carry additional costs. Likewise, as the Mets gave Manaea the qualifying offer, they would not lose anything by bringing him back.

Each of these pitchers come with potential concerns. Pivetta has been a roughly league-average pitcher for the Red Sox, posting a 4.29 ERA and a 1.243 WHIP in his 633 innings in Boston. Flaherty had struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness between 2020 and 2023 before a return to form in 2024. Eovaldi has been solid but will turn 35 years old before the upcoming season. Manaea had one of the best performances of his career after changing his arm slot but needs to prove that he can replicate that success. 

The Mets still need help in the rotation. Senga has displayed flashes of being an ace but the Mets do not have anyone to slot with him at the top of the rotation. Montas and Holmes may not be the answer the Mets hoped for, so adding another proven arm to pair with Senga will be important as the Mets look to build on their unexpected playoff run last year.