The Mets’ 2025 Starting Rotation: A Blend of Familiarity and Fresh Faces
The New York Mets are gearing up for the 2025 season with a starting rotation that balances familiar faces and new talent. Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and David Peterson are returning, bringing the experience and reliability that fans have come to expect. However, the rotation has been bolstered by the addition of Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, two pitchers who the organization hopes will push the team towards World Series contention. Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, addressed the media for the first time this spring, offering insights into the team’s plans and expectations for the upcoming season. One of the key takeaways is the Mets’ strategy to employ a six-man rotation, which provides flexibility and depth, especially given the health concerns surrounding Senga and the uncertainty about Holmes’s effectiveness as a starter. Stearns emphasized the team’s optimism about the starting pitching depth, noting that they have prioritized this area in the offseason and are entering camp with a strong, healthy roster.
Dealing with Injuries: A Crucial Element in Rotational Depth
Injuries are a constant challenge in baseball, and the Mets are no exception. The team has announced several pitchers who will either miss the 2025 season or have limited impact. Most notably, reliever Drew Smith, who is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, has been re-signed to a one-year deal with an option for 2026. Stearns made it clear that Smith’s re-signing is more about long-term planning, but he left the door open for a potential late-season return. "With Drew, potentially [being an option] in September. We don’t want to rush this. We want to get it right," Stearns explained. "We’ll have a better feel for that once we get into the summer months. That’s possible, but we’re not going to count on that." The continuity in Smith’s care and his comfort with the Mets’ medical staff were important considerations in this decision, as the team aims to ensure he is fully prepared for a strong 2026 season. Similarly, young pitcher Christian Scott, who showed promise last season with a 3.56 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, will not pitch competitively in 2025 due to his hybrid elbow surgery. The Mets plan to use the year to ensure Scott is fully recovered and can contribute in 2026. Adbert Alzolay, who signed a minor league deal with the Mets and suffered a forearm strain last May, is also unlikely to be available this season, further highlighting the cautious approach the team is taking with its injured players.
The Optimism Behind the Mets’ Starting Pitching Depth
Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Stearns remains optimistic about the Mets’ starting rotation. He noted that the team has made significant efforts to strengthen this area, bringing in players at various levels of free agency. "I will say, I feel much better about our starting pitching depth sitting here today than I did a year ago," Stearns said. "We made that a priority of our offseason." The executive’s confidence is rooted in the potential of the new additions and the returning pitchers. Frankie Montas, acquired from the Oakland Athletics, is a power pitcher with a solid track record of durability. Clay Holmes, known for his effectiveness as a reliever, brings a fresh perspective to the rotation and has been working hard to adapt to his new role. Stearns believes that if the team can replicate the success of last year’s rotation, which was headlined by Manaea and Luis Severino, the Mets will be well-positioned to contend. The sixth starting spot is up for competition this spring, which adds an element of excitement as the team evaluates who can step up and fill that role.
The NL East: A Competitive and Challenging Division
The NL East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, and the Mets are well aware of the challenges they face. Last year, the Mets made the postseason as a Wild Card, joining other NL East teams like the Braves and the Phillies. Stearns acknowledged the division’s strength and the high bar set by these teams. "It’s going to be really tight. We think we’re a really good team. We have our work cut out for us, there’s no question about that," he said. "This is a very good division and have a ton of respect for those two teams." The Braves, in particular, are expected to improve on their already strong performance from last year, while the Phillies are highly motivated to make a deep run in the playoffs again. Stearns believes that the Mets can outperform these teams but emphasized that nothing is guaranteed in such a tight division. "I feel like we can be better than them, but there’s nothing guaranteed. The Braves are going to win more games than they won last year. The Phillies are going to be highly motivated again this year," he added. The Mets are eager to face this competition and see it as an opportunity to showcase their team’s strength.
The Priority of Winning the Division and Beyond
When asked about the importance of winning the division, Stearns made it clear that while securing the first-round bye is a significant advantage, the ultimate goal is to win the World Series. "The first-round bye is a big deal and it hasn’t always proven that way in this format. In a 10-15 year stretch, you’ll see that be a big deal. I still think that’s a big deal," he said. However, Stearns is more focused on the broader picture of the team’s performance. "The deal is still getting in, regardless of how you do it, but being able to skip the first round is a big deal," he explained. The Mets are not just setting their sights on winning the NL East; they are determined to make a deep postseason run and ultimately capture the Commissioner’s Trophy. This mindset reflects the high expectations and ambitious goals set by the franchise, and Stearns believes that the team’s overall depth and resilience will be key factors in achieving these objectives.
A Season of Transition and Potential
The 2025 Mets are entering a season of transition and potential. While the starting rotation is a priority, the team is also focused on developing its young talent and ensuring that the roster is well-rounded. The cautious approach to managing injuries, particularly for players like Smith, Scott, and Alzolay, underscores the team’s long-term vision and commitment to player well-being. Stearns is confident that the Mets have the depth and talent to compete at a high level, but he also recognizes the importance of staying grounded and focusing on the process. "We’re excited by it and it’s going to take a strong effort from our entire roster," he said. The upcoming spring training will be crucial for evaluating the team’s strengths and addressing any weaknesses. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Mets navigate the competitive landscape of the NL East and aim to build on their recent success. The blend of familiar faces and new talent, combined with a well-thought-out strategy, positions the Mets to be a formidable force in 2025 and beyond.
