The New York Mets are still looking for their starting pitcher as they aim to expand their rotation.
Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga, who signed with the Chicago Cubs, is gone off the list now.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand reported that last year's most expensive roster is prioritizing "actively trying to trade for more starting pitching."
They recently signed Sean Manaea to $28 million over two years. The contract also includes an opt-out after the 2024 season. He joins several pitchers the Mets signed on one-year contracts.
The 31-year-old is a surprise signing, and no analysts predicted the Mets to sign him.
They are not yet done, but time is running out, and the free-agent market is getting thinner. They are also specifically looking for a left-handed pitcher, which makes the search more difficult.
They already missed out on Shohei Ohtani, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron Nola, who decided to return to the Philadephia Phillies, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
With that, these are. The remaining best pitchers in the market that the Mets could sign.
1. Jordan Montgomery (Last team: Texas Rangers)
World Series titlist Montgomery is on top of this list. He has an overall record of 38-34, earned a run average of 3.68, and made 305 strikeouts.
His stock rose last season, making it to the All-MLB Second Team.
The only hindrance the Mets will face is his asking price. The club spent more than necessary last season, so the door might still be open.
They should move fast, as reports suggest he is open to returning to Texas with a lucrative offer.
2. Josh Hader (Last team: San Diego Padres)
Five-time All-Star Hader is the best reliever pitcher in the market right now. He had a below-average 2022 season, at least based on his standard, but he bounced back in 2023.
Joining the Padres might have freed up his skills more, as he posted a 1.28 ERA, 33 saves, and 85 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings. He also posted the highest ERA in the American League last year.
Hader, however, is an in-demand free agent with the Phillies and the Cubs on his tail.
The only issue is that, just like Montgomery, he is expensive.
3. Blake Snell (Last team: San Diego Padres)
Blake Snell is a starting pitcher-no doubt about that. If the Mets want to solve their throwing problems, Snell can fill that role.
The two-time Cy Young Awards led the majors last season with a 2.25 ERA, a .180 opponents' batting average, and a .579 OPS against. He also had 234 strikeouts in 180 innings. He was also the league's leader in total walks with 99.
4. Alex Wood (Last team: San Francisco Giants)
Mets' problem with the first three names above is their salary. Alex Wood should be a great alternative.
The 32-year-old left-handed pitcher posted a 5.10 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP across 130.2 innings.
The numbers are not pretty, but Wood has repeatedly shown he can be a reliable reliever.
5. Michael Lorenzen (Last team: Philadelphia Phillies)
Lorenzen made his first All-Star Game last season, and with the Phillies signing Nola, it should be understood that he is not going back to his former team.
His all-time Win-Loss record is 40-38, with Earned run average of 4.11. He also has 602 strikeouts in his career.
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