New York Mets Seen as Fit For Top Starting Pitcher Ahead of Trade Deadline
NEW YORK - There's no denying that the New York Mets have gotten off to a rough start to the 2023 season.
But if they find a way to turn their season around, they will have to be buyers at the trade deadline in order to improve their club for the stretch run.
Starting pitching has been one of the main causes for the Mets struggles so far this year, which is why they could stand to upgrade in this area.
In a recent article released by MLB insider Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Mets are listed as a potential fit for Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez.
The 30-year-old southpaw is having the finest season of his career, posting a 1.40 ERA over his past nine starts to give him a season-long mark of 2.13. After allowing seven earned runs and three homers in his first 10 innings of 2023, Rodríguez has given up nine earned runs and three long balls over his past 57 2/3 innings, holding hitters to a .519 OPS. E-Rod, who is nearing a rehab assignment after spending most of the month on the IL with a left index finger injury, can opt out of the final three years and $49 million of his contract at the end of the season, making him a likely candidate to be moved.
Rodriguez is undoubtedly one of the best starting pitchers that is expected to be available ahead of the deadline. And even if he doesn't plan to opt-out after the season, Mets owner Steve Cohen can afford to take on the remainder of his contract.
Entering play on Tuesday night, the Mets' starting rotation held a 4.94 ERA, which is 25th in baseball. By adding a pitcher of Rodriguez's caliber, this mark would likely improve.
Time will tell whether or not the Mets are buyers or sellers next month, but if they are indeed buyers, Rodriguez, a left-hander, is an ideal fit in their rotation.