Mets Rotation Crisis Deepens as $75 Million Righty Shut Down Indefinitely

The New York Mets: A Tale of Two Halves

A Powerful Lineup Takes Shape
The New York Mets have made significant strides in bolstering their offense, headlined by the blockbuster signing of Juan Soto on a historic 15-year, $765 million contract. Soto, making an immediate impact, launched a 426-foot home run in his first spring training at-bat, signaling a promising start. Additionally, the Mets re-signed Pete Alonso, their slugging first baseman, to a two-year, $54 million deal. Alonso’s power and consistency at the plate are expected to complement Soto, creating a formidable core in the lineup. Last season, the Mets ranked fifth in the National League with 4.74 runs per game, and with these additions, their offense is poised to be even more potent in 2025.

Pitching Woes Emerge
While the Mets’ offense appears robust, concerns mount regarding their pitching staff. The injury bug has struck early, with Frankie Montas, a $34 million free agent signing, sidelined for at least six weeks due to a high-grade lat strain. Compounding this setback, Sean Manaea, who inked a three-year, $75 million deal, will miss Opening Day and potentially several weeks beyond with an oblique muscle strain. The average recovery time for Manaea’s injury is 48 days, projecting his return around late April. Manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated that Manaea will not resume throwing for a couple of weeks, but no definitive return date has been set.

The Impact of Injuries
The loss of Manaea is particularly significant, as he was relied upon to shoulder a substantial workload in the starting rotation. Last season, he pitched 181 2/3 innings, just shy of team leader Luis Severino, who has since departed. Without Manaea, the Mets are forced to look to Clay Holmes, who transitions to a starting role after not having started a game since 2018. Holmes’ ability to adapt and handle the demands of a starter remains uncertain, adding to the team’s pitching concerns.

Question Marks in the Rotation
Beyond Holmes, the Mets will turn to Kodai Senga, a right-hander who has struggled with injuries since joining the team in 2023. Senga’s contributions last season were limited to just one start, raising doubts about his reliability. The absence of Manaea not only affects the team’s innings depth but also the quality of starts, as he posted the second-lowest ERA (3.74) among the starting staff in 2024. His absence leaves a void that the current roster may struggle to fill.

The Road Ahead
The Mets’ offseason strategy focused heavily on enhancing their offense, but the injuries to Montas and Manaea have exposed a lack of pitching depth. The team may need to explore options such as free agency or trades to bolster their rotation. Alternatively, they might rely on younger pitchers or unproven starters, which could lead to a bumpy start to the season. The ability of the Mets to navigate these challenges will be crucial in maintaining competitiveness in a highly contested division.

Conclusion
The New York Mets enter the 2025 season with a powerhouse offense, buoyed by the arrivals of Soto and Alonso. However, the injuries to key pitchers Montas and Manaea have thrown their rotation into disarray. As the season approaches, the Mets must swiftly address their pitching woes to avoid early struggles. The coming weeks will reveal whether they can find solutions to remain competitive and make a meaningful push in the standings.