Mets Manager Confident Former Yankees Pitcher Can Become an Ace

Carlos Mendoza is confident that one of the New York Mets offseason additions can bounce back this year.

The New York Mets offseason moves were relatively small but could payoff in the long run. As they look to spend money next offseason, this year can be a test of who they should keep around next season.

If the Mets don't find success with players on deals longer than one season, they could be trade candidates prior to the deadline or in the offseason next year.

Pitching is at a premium for every contending team and that won't change for New York next offseason. They have two new starters who can earn the confidence of the front office and be pitchers on a contending team in the future with Sean Manaea and Luis Severino.

Severino was once a high-end starting pitcher for the New York Yankees before dealing with injuries. The injuries have slowed down his career and the Mets are hopeful that he can return to what he once was. 

Manager Carlos Mendoza believes that Severino can bounce back and emerge as an ace-caliber pitcher for New York this season. 

Mendoza is quite confident that Luis Severino can bounce back and emerge as a front line starter for the Mets this season

— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) February 21, 2024

“He’s a guy that wants the ball, wants to compete and wants to be out there."

When healthy, Severino posted sub-3.40 ERA seasons in 2017 and 2018. He was named an All-Star in both seasons, posting 220-plus strikeouts in both of those seasons, too.

Severino has only thrown more than 100 innings in one season since 2018, which is a bit concerning. However, if healthy, that can change for the Mets.

He has an opportunity to prove to Steve Cohen and the rest of the front office that he can stay healthy and be a pitcher who can help a team contend this season.