The injury to Christian Scott should prompt the Mets to prioritize acquiring a starting pitcher. Here are three realistic options for them to consider.
The injury news regarding Christian Scott was not what the New York Mets needed. Just as Kodai Senga is about to return, this setback increases the urgency to acquire a starting pitcher at the trade deadline. However, it’s not something they need to go to extreme lengths for, as Senga can immediately take Scott’s place on the roster.
The issue for the Mets is that their depth has not been strong this year. In the minors, Tylor Megill and Joey Lucchesi are potential candidates to fill in for starts. Many of the pitching prospects who haven’t debuted yet have struggled in Triple-A and aren’t necessarily reliable solutions.
Scott was always expected to be shut down at some point this year, but this accelerates his absence, potentially extending into 2024. Regardless of the duration of his absence, the Mets need to thoroughly search for starting pitching options. A six-man rotation still seems likely, and these three trade options have quickly become top priorities.
3) Michael Lorenzen
Michael Lorenzen is having a solid season for the Texas Rangers, who are likely to be sellers rather than buyers this summer. With a strong pitching staff and several players on expiring contracts, Lorenzen is a candidate for trade before the deadline.
Lorenzen has a 5-5 record with a 3.53 ERA in 17 starts. He has also excelled as a starter, improving significantly since his last full season as a reliever in 2021.
He could be a good fit for the Mets as a replacement for Scott, offering a low-cost option to fill out the rotation. Unlike some of the bigger names that might be available, Lorenzen is a smaller, but still valuable, addition that many contenders would be interested in.
If you keep track of other teams’ performances, hope the Rangers lose frequently in the coming days. Besides Lorenzen, the Rangers have Andrew Heaney, who would be a nice addition to the Mets’ rotation, and several relievers, including David Robertson.
2) Trevor Williams
Former Mets pitcher Trevor Williams has been out of action since the end of May. Before his injury, he was having an exceptional season, boasting a 5-0 record with a 2.22 ERA in 11 starts, potentially making it a career year.
Currently, he’s recovering from a right flexor muscle strain and won’t be able to contribute to the Mets immediately. This situation feels familiar. When he joined the Mets in 2021, Williams was initially sent to the minors. Upon his recall, he performed as both a starter and reliever, achieving a 3.06 ERA in 32.1 innings. The following year, he impressed with a 3.21 ERA over 89.2 innings, including 9 starts and 21 relief appearances.
If healthy, Williams could be an ideal fit for the Mets’ needs. His previous success as a reliever might lead to bullpen duties if a sixth starter isn’t required, though he would likely prefer starting, especially with free agency looming. Regardless, he should have ample opportunities to start.
However, since Williams is not expected to return from the IL before the trade deadline, the Mets would be trading for an injured player, which should reduce the Washington Nationals’ asking price. It’s crucial for the Mets to have a clear timeline for his return to ensure they aren’t investing in a player who may not contribute.
1) Erick Fedde
Erick Fedde is a standout player. He’s having an excellent season and is under contract for an additional year at a reasonable $7.5 million. The Mets were linked to him in the offseason and continue to consider him a trade deadline option. His exact cost is somewhat complex, benefiting both the Chicago White Sox and teams like the Mets seeking long-term solutions.
While breakout star Garrett Crochet has garnered most of the attention on the White Sox, Fedde deserves recognition. With a 7-3 record and a 2.98 ERA over 20 starts, the Mets would be acquiring a pitcher who could potentially move toward the front of their rotation.
The advantages of trading for a starting pitcher were evident even before the Mets lost Scott. Adding a player on an appealing contract for next year would give them an early advantage. The Mets need to rebuild much of their rotation for 2025. With Scott possibly unavailable and their other young arms struggling in Syracuse, pursuing Fedde from the White Sox has become even more crucial.
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