Spring training got off to a rough start for the New York Mets, with injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas forcing the team to scrap their initial plan of using a six-man rotation. At one point, the situation seemed dire enough that fans feared the team might have to resort to last-ditch options for reinforcements.
However, as things settle, the outlook isn’t nearly as bleak. Strong performances from Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and Clay Holmes have provided much-needed stability. Now, the big question remains: who will fill the final two rotation spots?
The Unexpected Dilemma
It’s remarkable how fast things can shift in baseball. Just a few weeks ago, the Mets were worried about their lack of rotation depth—now, they actually have options. Three pitchers—Paul Blackburn, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning—are competing for the final two rotation spots, and they’re making the choice tough. Each has stood out in their own way, creating both an exciting opportunity and a tough decision for manager Carlos Mendoza.
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The Case for Each Pitcher
Blackburn, who underwent surgery last October to repair a cerebrospinal fluid leak, showed promise in his latest outing on Wednesday, pitching four perfect innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. While he didn’t generate any swings and misses and allowed six hard-hit balls, it was still a positive step forward after a rough start to the spring.
Megill has been dominant, with his fastball reaching 97-98 mph and an impressive 1.35 ERA over 6.2 innings. His seven strikeouts show he’s effectively missing bats, but the fact that he still has a minor league option could influence the team’s final decision.
Among the trio, Canning may have the highest upside. Once a highly touted prospect in a struggling Angels organization, he’s now thriving with the Mets’ resources at his disposal.
