The New York Mets are dealing with a major setback in their starting rotation after Griffin Canning suffered a season-ending Achilles rupture. This injury, occurring early in the campaign, forces the team to re-evaluate their pitching depth and consider making moves to stabilize the rotation, highlighting an urgent need for reinforcement.
While the Mets possess key pitchers such as All-Star David Peterson and Kodai Senga, the loss of Canning exposes vulnerabilities in their rotation durability. Adding to the uncertainty, Tylor Megill remains sidelined with an injury, and Frankie Montas, despite returning this season, has struggled, recording a 5.04 ERA over four starts. Sean Manaea’s comeback offers some help, and Clay Holmes’ increased innings provide additional hope, but overall, the rotation’s consistency is in question.
Current Rotation Overview and Challenges
The ideal Mets rotation would include Manaea, Senga, Holmes, Megill, and Peterson, creating a strong mix of experience and promising talent. However, the combination of injuries and uneven performances means the team cannot rely on this lineup remaining intact throughout the season. Montas’ inconsistent outings add to the pressure on management to pursue reinforcements to avoid a further weakening of their pitching staff.
Trade Discussions Focus on Zac Gallen as a Vital Addition
As the Mets seek answers, trade talks have intensified around acquiring Zac Gallen from the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to SNY’s Joe DeMayo, the Mets could offer prospects Zach Thornton and Jesus Baez in exchange for the right-hander. Gallen, once a Cy Young Award contender and All-Star, has a career 3.34 ERA over 128 starts, though he is experiencing a difficult season with a 5.40 ERA.
Despite his current struggles, Gallen’s previous success and experience suggest he could provide the Mets with crucial rotation stability. His contract expires after this season, and projections estimate he could command a six-year, $116 million contract in free agency, a commitment the Diamondbacks may be hesitant to make.
Potential Benefits and Trade Considerations
Bringing Gallen to New York could serve as a turning point, offering him a fresh setting that might help him regain form while strengthening the Mets’ rotation. As DeMayo explains,
“Gallen is likely to attract significant interest from other teams, meaning the Mets may need to act quickly and decisively if they want to secure his services.”
—Joe DeMayo, SNY Commentator
Jesus Baez adds value to the proposed trade package as a versatile infielder capable of playing second base, third base, and shortstop. This season, Baez has combined power and plate discipline effectively, batting .251 with a .343 on-base percentage, nine home runs, and 41 RBIs through 71 games at St. Lucie and Brooklyn. His low strikeout rate and patience at the plate could attract Arizona’s attention as they look to replenish their system.
The Road Ahead for the Mets’ Rotation
As the Mets confront this pivotal moment, strengthening their pitching staff is essential to their hopes of a successful season. Should the trade for Gallen materialize, it would not only patch the hole left by Canning’s injury but also add veteran presence to an uncertain rotation. The coming weeks will be critical as New York decides whether to finalize this deal and how to manage other roster challenges.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why do they call Zac Gallen the milk man?
A. Fans call Gallen “The Milkman” because he is reliable. On Thursday, he provided essential supplies to St. Mary’s Food Bank. Gallen partnered with the food bank to give 2,300 gallons of milk from Shamrock Farms, a local business.