SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Mets need to improve, and the team’s president of baseball operations isn’t afraid to acknowledge the priority this offseason.
“I don’t think that it’s any secret that we are probably a little short on pitching at the moment,” David Stearns said Tuesday at the general managers’ meetings.
Stearns said the free-agent market and trade route are both available for the Mets, who have openings in the starting rotation behind Kodai Senga and Jose Quintana. The Mets have Edwin Diaz, Brooks Raley and Drew Smith as veteran relievers returning.
Stearns said it’s too early to say if the Mets will employ a traditional five-man rotation for next season or add a sixth starter. The Mets went to a sixth starter at times last season in part to continue giving extra rest to Senga, who flourished as a rookie.
Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be among the most highly pursued starting pitchers on the market this winter once he is posted by the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Pacific League. If the Mets were to sign Yamamoto and implement extra rest for him, it would almost necessitate a sixth starter.
Regardless of the number of pitchers in the rotation, Stearns said it’s possible one spot will be filled by one of the team’s depth pieces. It’s a group that includes David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Jose Butto and Joey Lucchesi. The Mets also have several young pitchers in the minor leagues who can be considered.
“I think it depends on how the offseason plays out,” Stearns said. “I don’t think competition is a bad thing for an organization as a whole. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to come to camp and say, ‘This fifth starter’s spot or last starter’s spot is up for grabs.’ I think that is actually healthy.”
But Stearns added that he’s not against the idea of filling a rotation with all proven arms if there are sensible deals available.
Stearns said he will have a conversation with Senga at some point to see if the right-hander has a preference on how often he pitches.
“I think the Mets did a tremendous job managing that this past year and I want to make sure we continue that and continue to put him in the best position to succeed,” Stearns said. “There are a number of different factors that are really tough to address until we get to spring training.”