ESPN’s early rankings placed the Mets’ rotation at No. 3, trailing the Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers. Given the Yankees’ frequent visits from medical staff rather than pitching coaches, the Mets might have moved up.
The Mets boast a strong rotation with Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Kodai Senga, Carlos Carrasco, and José Quintana, but four of them are over 34, suggesting potential injury risks similar to the Yankees. Quintana is already sidelined with a fractured rib, potentially out until the All-Star break.
Recognizing the importance of pitching depth for a championship run, the Mets signed right-hander Dylan Bundy after the Minnesota Twins bought him out for $1 million instead of signing him for $11 million.
According to USA Today Sports reporter Bob Nightengale, Bundy joins the Mets on a minor-league deal. Over his eight-year career, Bundy holds a 54-65 record with a 4.74 ERA, including 29 starts and 140 innings pitched last season for the Twins.
Despite being one of the better remaining free-agent pitchers, Bundy lingered in free agency all winter. Once a highly-touted prospect, he was selected by the Orioles with the 4th overall pick in the 2011 draft and quickly ascended Baseball America’s top prospect list. Unfortunately, Tommy John surgery in 2013 and subsequent injuries derailed his early career.
Having missed Spring Training, Bundy will need time to get into game shape, likely starting in the minors. Should the Mets face further injuries, Bundy provides an additional layer of depth. Other teams seeking starting pitching depth might consider free agents like Chris Archer, Michael Pineda, or Anibal Sanchez.