Major Challenge for the Mets: Montas Out with Lat Injury
The 2025 New York Mets are facing their first significant hurdle as the season approaches. On Monday morning, it was announced that starting pitcher Frankie Montas has sustained a serious lat injury, which will keep him sidelined from throwing for six to eight weeks. Once Montas is given the green light to resume throwing, he will need a substantial period to rebuild his strength and regain his form, similar to a full spring training. This timeline suggests that the best-case scenario for his return is around the end of May, but the more realistic projection is a comeback sometime in June.
Assessing the Rotation: Glass Half Full
Despite the setback, the Mets’ rotation had a promising outlook before Montas’s injury. Kodai Senga, who is recovering from a mostly lost year due to injury, has shown ace potential, as evidenced by his performance in 2023. Sean Manaea, who pitched like an ace in the latter part of 2024, is back to anchor the staff. Clay Holmes, known for his devastating stuff, could become a formidable presence in the middle of the rotation. David Peterson showed signs of improvement last year, hinting at the potential for a strong season. The Mets are also planning to utilize a six-man rotation, which provides additional depth. This depth includes experienced pitchers like Griffin Canning, Tylor Megill, and Paul Blackburn. Additionally, top prospect Brandon Sproat, who has shown promise in Triple-A, could join the big league roster sooner rather than later.
Assessing the Rotation: Glass Half Empty
On the flip side, the Mets’ rotation faces significant uncertainties. Senga’s 2024 was marred by multiple injuries, limiting him to just one regular season start. His health concerns and limited innings raise questions about his stamina and durability this season. While Manaea’s strong performance in the final months of 2024 is encouraging, the challenge lies in his ability to maintain that level of play as the league becomes more familiar with his new approach. Holmes’s transition from relief pitching to starting is another point of uncertainty, as the increased workload and different role could affect his performance. Peterson has yet to string together consecutive strong seasons, and Canning, Megill, and Blackburn, while serviceable, may not be reliable as primary starters in a six-man rotation. Sproat’s struggles with the transition to Triple-A last season suggest he may need more time to develop before becoming a consistent big league option.
Owner Cohen’s Confidence and Flexibility
Despite the challenges, owner Steve Cohen expressed confidence in the team’s pitching. Cohen believes the Mets’ pitching will "surprise" people and indicated that the team remains flexible in terms of making roster additions. They have budget reserves for the trade deadline, which could be crucial if the rotation doesn’t come together as hoped. Cohen’s optimism and the team’s financial flexibility provide a buffer to address any mid-season issues.
Initial Response and Future Moves
Initially, the Mets do not plan to fill their rotation need externally, according to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino. However, given the uncertainties and the importance of a strong rotation, the team may need to reassess this stance if internal options do not perform as expected. While trading top prospects like Sproat and Jett Williams for a rental player like Dylan Cease is not advisable, the Mets should be more proactive in exploring reasonable trade packages with the Padres. They should also monitor players like Jordan Montgomery and be open to trades where the other team absorbs a significant portion of his salary. Additionally, the Mets should consider free agent starting pitchers like Andrew Heaney and Lance Lynn, who could provide affordable, short-term solutions.
Sustaining Success: A Balanced Approach
The Mets’ goal is to achieve sustainable success, and they are typically cautious about making rash moves. However, they must be prepared to act if the rotation does not gel as planned. By maintaining flexibility and keeping an eye on both trade and free agent markets, the Mets can position themselves to make necessary adjustments. While the Montas injury is a significant setback, the team’s depth and the front office’s strategic approach provide a foundation for overcoming this challenge and contending for a title in 2025.
