David Stearns has been the Mets’ president of baseball operations for three seasons, and in all three, the club’s rotation has left a lot to be desired.
In 2026, New York’s starters ranked 23rd in ERA (4.47), 22nd in innings (791), 15th in FIP (4.18) and tied for 18th in WAR (10.4, per FanGraphs), even with a superb rookie season from Nolan McLean.
Granted, the Mets’ offense was even worse, but there’s a clearer path to improvement on that side of the ball. Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor were in the starting lineup together only 55 times in 2026, and Bo Bichette was a non-factor for the first two months. The Mets should get more out of that trio in 2027. Add in young building blocks Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, and New York has the makings of an above-average offensive group.
The club’s rotation is far murkier as the offseason gets underway. Here are four big questions that will shape the Mets' rotation outlook heading into 2027.
1. How aggressive will they be in Skubal sweepstakes?
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is the best available player in free agency this offseason, and the Mets’ rotation needs and big budget make them a natural fit.
Signing Skubal would be a maj...