New York Mets Rotation Set: Final Two Starters Announced

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on Apr 28, 2025

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The Confirmed Starting Rotation

The New York Mets starting rotation is now officially set, and it's a formidable lineup. Let's take a look at each pitcher and their projected role:

• Justin Verlander (Ace): Coming off a stellar 2022 season (18-4, 1.75 ERA), Verlander anchors the rotation. His experience and exceptional command make him a true ace.

  • Strengths: Elite control, devastating curveball, incredible experience.
  • Weaknesses: Age (40), potential for injury concerns.

• Kodai Senga (Number 2): The highly touted Japanese import brings a unique and devastating pitching arsenal. His spring training performances have been encouraging.

  • Strengths: Ghost Fork, overpowering fastball, deceptive pitching style.
  • Weaknesses: Adjusting to MLB hitters, managing workload in a new league.

• Max Scherzer (Number 3): A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer’s intensity and competitiveness are undeniable. Despite some injury concerns in recent years, he remains a dominant force.

  • Strengths: Power fastball, incredible competitive drive, vast experience.
  • Weaknesses: Injury history, potential for high pitch counts.

• Carlos Carrasco (Number 4): Carrasco provides veteran stability and valuable innings. His experience will be crucial for the team.

  • Strengths: Solid control, deceptive movement on his pitches, innings eater.
  • Weaknesses: Can be prone to inconsistency, occasional struggles against power hitters.

• Jose Quintana (Number 5): The final piece of the puzzle, Quintana brings valuable left-handed depth. He's known for his ability to keep the ball in play and work deep into games.

  • Strengths: Ground ball pitcher, consistent innings eater, valuable left-handed presence.
  • Weaknesses: Lacks overpowering stuff, can be vulnerable to the long ball.

Analysis of the Final Two Starters: Jose Quintana and Carlos Carrasco

The additions of Quintana and Carrasco solidify the Mets' starting rotation, providing a blend of experience, lefty/righty balance, and the ability to go deep into games. Quintana’s ground-ball tendencies and Carrasco’s ability to consistently deliver innings will offer much-needed support to the power arms of Verlander and Scherzer.

• Quintana's Impact: His lefty presence will provide a valuable counterpoint to the predominantly right-handed pitching in the rest of the rotation. His ability to eat innings and keep the ball on the ground will be crucial in preventing the bullpen from being overworked.

• Carrasco's Role: Carrasco's role is to eat innings and provide a reliable performance. He provides depth and a veteran presence in the rotation. His experience will be crucial in navigating the ups and downs of a long MLB season.

• Complementary Aspects: The rotation is built with a mix of power pitchers and ground ball pitchers, creating a balanced approach that should prove challenging for opposing lineups.

Manager's Strategy and Rotation Order

Buck Showalter's rotation order is likely to start with Verlander, followed by Senga, Scherzer, Carrasco, and Quintana. This order strategically balances power pitching with innings-eaters and allows for optimal rest management.

• Strategic Thinking: Showalter’s decisions will likely be influenced by opposing team matchups and the health and performance of individual pitchers. He might adjust the order based on performance or injuries throughout the season.

Impact on the Mets' Season Outlook

This starting rotation significantly boosts the Mets' chances of success in 2024. The combination of power, experience, and consistency places them among the elite pitching staffs in the MLB.

• Strengths of the Rotation: Depth, balance, experience, and a mix of pitching styles are significant strengths.
• Potential Weaknesses: The age and injury history of some pitchers represent a potential concern.
• Season Predictions: With this formidable rotation, the Mets are strong contenders for a playoff spot and a deep postseason run.
• Divisional Comparison: The Mets' rotation is arguably one of the best, if not the best, in the NL East, giving them a significant advantage.

Conclusion

The New York Mets' starting rotation, with the final two starters now officially announced, is a formidable force. The addition of Quintana and Carrasco complements the existing power arms, creating a well-rounded and balanced staff. While age and injury remain potential concerns, the overall depth and experience should help the Mets compete for a championship. Stay tuned for more updates on the New York Mets as the season unfolds! Follow us for further analysis of the New York Mets starting rotation and other crucial baseball news. Keep checking back for the latest news on the New York Mets pitching rotation and their exciting upcoming season!