Mets reportedly entering derby for 2-time All-Star
The New York Mets finally entered the free-agent fray by agreeing to a contract with former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Frankie Montas. However, the team won’t stop at Montas when it comes to replenishing the National League finalist’s starting staff.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Mets, who stand to lose Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, are interested in signing Los Angeles Dodgers starter Walker Buehler.Â
The two-time All-Star is coming off a difficult 2024 season, but his upside has several Major League Baseball teams clamoring for his services on a short-term deal.Â
Buehler rolled into the 2022 season as one of the better young hurlers in the league. He was coming off an All-Star campaign in 2021, going 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA.Â
However, discomfort in Buehler’s right pitching elbow surfaced, and he underwent Tommy John surgery in August. He missed most of 2022 and the entirety of 2023. The 30-year-old returned to the Dodgers rotation in May of last season. However, an injured right hip led to him missing nearly two months of the season.
When he was healthy enough to pitch last season, Buehler struggled. His 5.38 ERA was his highest since debuting in 2017, and he posted a disappointing 1-6 record with a -1.3 WAR.
Spotrac projects Buehler’s market value at a slight $3.9 million on a one-year deal.
According to FanGraphs, the current Mets rotation features Kodai Senga, Montas, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill. So, there is still plenty of upgrading for the team to do regarding its Starting staff.
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