Steve Cohen’s Unwavering Optimism
On a tranquil morning at Mets spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida, the richest man to ever wear the iconic Mets sunglasses-wearing cartoon baseball person logo, Steve Cohen, addressed the media with a candor that is both refreshing and rare. The question-and-answer session covered a wide range of topics, from the team’s roster to their strategic direction. The air was thick with optimism, especially after the arrival of Juan Soto, the franchise’s $765 million megastar, just two days prior. However, when pressed for a broader view of the club, Cohen acknowledged a critical concern: the public perception that the Mets lack a World Series-caliber pitching staff. “I think our pitching is going to surprise people, even though there’s a lot of talk about our starting pitching,” he declared, glasses perched squarely on his nose and a confident smile playing on his lips. This statement, while optimistic, also recognized the widespread doubts within the baseball industry about New York’s starting rotation.
Injury Woes and the Uncertain Rotation
Cohen’s confidence was put to the test on Monday when it was announced that Sean Manaea, the team’s best pitcher last season, is likely to miss the beginning of the regular season due to an oblique strain. Manaea, a likeable left-hander who re-signed with the Mets over the winter, was the frontrunner to start on Opening Day. The injury is a significant blow, as Manaea won’t throw for two to three weeks. This is the Mets’ second starting pitching injury of the spring. Earlier, free-agent addition Frankie Montas, a right-handed starter, was sidelined with a high-grade lat strain and is expected to be out until at least late May. These setbacks have only amplified the concerns about the team’s pitching staff, which many already viewed as a potential Achilles’ heel for a club with championship aspirations.
Last Season’s Pitching Downfall
The doubts about the Mets’ pitching are not unfounded. Last season, their pitching was the primary reason they fell short in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Dodgers. In the decisive series, the Mets surrendered an average of 10 runs in their four losses to the eventual World Series champions. Manaea, clearly exhausted, was shelled in the Game 6 clincher. The overworked rotation and lack of depth were evident, and it was a stark reminder that the Mets needed to address their pitching issues to compete at the highest level. This season, the pressure is on to ensure that history does not repeat itself, especially with the core of the team’s pitching staff already facing health challenges.
Offseason Strategy: Depth Over Impact
In the offseason, Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns opted for a strategy of adding depth over impact when it came to pitching. Despite the team’s deep pockets, they never seriously engaged in the pursuit of top-tier arms like Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, or Blake Snell. Instead, they signed lower-budget hurlers with warts and developmental upside. Frankie Montas, who signed a 2-year, $37 million deal, had a 4.84 ERA last season. Griffin Canning, signed for 1 year, $4 million, led the league in home runs allowed. Clay Holmes, who inked a 3-year, $38 million deal, was a phenomenal closer for the Yankees but carries risk as a potential rotation convert. Even Manaea, who signed a 3-year, $75 million contract, has only a few months of recent elite performance to his name. This approach has raised eyebrows among the fan base and industry insiders alike, making the Mets’ pitching staff a topic of intense scrutiny.
The Six-Man Rotation Experiment
Adding to the intrigue is the Mets’ commitment to a six-man rotation, a strategy that is relatively rare in today’s game. The belief is that Kodai Senga, the Japanese forkballer who shined in 2023 but missed most of 2024 due to injuries, would greatly benefit from the increased rest. This leaves the Mets with six remaining starters for six spots: Holmes, Canning, Senga, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and Paul Blackburn. Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza remain confident in this plan, even after the injuries to Manaea and Montas. The success of this strategy will hinge heavily on the effectiveness of the team’s pitching development group, led by MLB pitching coach Jeremy Heffner and director of pitching development Eric Jagers. This group has a track record of turning around pitchers’ careers, as seen with Manaea, Peterson, Luis Severino, and José Quintana last year.
The Path Forward
Despite the current challenges, Cohen has remained committed to the club’s strategic direction. He wants the Mets to be a team that can improve players, particularly from a pitching perspective. “I want to be a team that can improve players,” Cohen reiterated, showcasing his long-term vision. The Mets have the financial flexibility to make a significant trade before the deadline, and Cohen mentioned that such a move is already budgeted out. However, Stearns’ non-reactive approach suggests that the team may not be in the market for immediate free-agent upgrades. Veteran arms like Quintana, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson remain available, but signing them now would be a departure from the team’s strategy. The gap between the Mets and their primary rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers, is significant, and closing it will require the Mets’ rotation to significantly surpass expectations.
Trust in the Process
While the Mets’ pitching staff is under scrutiny and facing early-season setbacks, the team’s leadership remains steadfast in their belief in the development and coaching staff. The magic tricks that worked last season, turning around the careers of several pitchers, could yet come into play this year. The Mets have an excellent track record of extracting the best from their players, and their coaching staff is one of the best in the league. If they can maintain this momentum and find ways to keep their pitchers healthy and effective, the Mets could very well surprise the skeptics and achieve their championship aspirations. The coming months will be crucial, and the eyes of the baseball world will be on Port St. Lucie to see if the Mets can turn their pitching concerns into a strength.
