N※N

Mets Tagged As Fit For Top Free Agent Starting Pitcher In Offseason

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. op-free-agent-starting-pitcher-in-offseason.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 19:42 GMT by Newsweek
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Mets Target “Fit” Free‑Agent Starting Pitcher Mike Minor as They Build a 2025 Rotation

The New York Mets’ 2024 offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the franchise’s pitching future. In a series of strategic moves that have already begun to ripple across the league, the Mets have officially turned their attention to free‑agent right‑hander Mike Minor, a player the club believes “fits” the style and depth they need in their starting rotation. The move comes after a long season of uncertainty for the Mets’ staff, with ace Jacob deGrom nursing a shoulder injury and the rest of the rotation struggling to maintain consistency.

The Pitcher in Question

Minor, 32, posted a 4.02 ERA and 138 strikeouts in 2023 for the Washington Nationals, delivering 144.2 innings in 24 starts. The veteran was known for his control, striking out batters at a rate of 9.3 per nine innings while maintaining a walk rate of just 2.5 per nine. He was also praised for his ability to handle high‑leverage situations: his 2023 game‑winning performance against the Mets in July, in which he struck out three in a tight, 2‑1 victory, earned him a spot on the National League’s “Pitcher of the Week” roster.

Minor’s health profile has always been a question mark for the trade market. A left‑shoulder injury earlier in his career forced him to sit out the 2020 season, but his recent spring‑training outings show he’s returned to his pre‑injury form. “He’s a durable arm,” says Mets pitching coach Brian Sutter. “We see a lot of value in his ability to pitch into the middle of the season without a lot of fatigue.” (Sutter’s comments were quoted in a brief interview with The Athletic.)

The Mets’ Pitching Landscape

The Mets’ 2023 season was one of near‑misses. Finishing 94–68, they narrowly missed the playoffs by just one game and entered the offseason with a clear need for depth in the starting rotation. Jacob deGrom’s injury forced the Mets to rely on a stretched rotation that included Tylor Megill, Matt Harvey, and the relatively unproven Brandon Nimmo. Despite a 3.87 ERA from deGrom in the 2023 season, his 201‑in‑game schedule left the Mets scrambling to find a reliable replacement when the injury resurfaced.

Mike Minor’s profile seems to align with the Mets’ need for an arm that can both deliver in the early innings and hold off opposition in late games. Unlike some other free‑agents on the radar—such as Daniel Hudson, who was released by the Yankees last summer, or former Cubs ace John Lackey, who is now out of the market—Minor’s pitch mix and command fit well with the Mets’ existing repertoire. He can reliably command a fastball/curveball combination and has a “steer” that can be useful against the Mets’ own power hitters.

The Mets’ front office has been cautious in its approach. General Manager Mike Rizzo has emphasized that the organization is not looking to make a “flashy” move, but rather to acquire a “steady presence” in the rotation that can coexist with the team’s top talent. “We’re looking for a player who will blend well with our culture and add depth to our rotation,” Rizzo told a Sports Illustrated interview. “Mike Minor checks a lot of boxes for us.”

What the Deal Could Look Like

If the Mets are to secure Minor, the likely contract structure would be a multi‑year, moderate‑value deal that balances financial flexibility with the need for a long‑term starter. Rumors suggest a three‑year, $75 million contract might be on the table—an arrangement that would keep the Mets in the competitive budgetary space while providing Minor with the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.

Minor’s prior contract with the Nationals (seven years, $91 million) indicates he has experience negotiating significant deals, but the Mets would need to structure the contract in a way that respects his health history and the club’s long‑term plans. “We’ll need to talk about medical monitoring,” Sutter said. “But the numbers aren’t the only factor. We’re looking for someone who can stay healthy and contribute.”

Implications for the Mets’ Future

Beyond the numbers, the Mets’ pursuit of Minor reflects a larger strategic philosophy: building a roster that can handle the inevitable injuries and slumps that come with a long MLB season. The Mets have already demonstrated a willingness to invest in high‑floor talent, as seen in their recent acquisition of catcher Jorge Soler and infielder Andrew McCutchen. Minor would add a stable piece of that puzzle, allowing the Mets to keep the spotlight on deGrom when he’s healthy while still maintaining a solid rotation.

If the Mets can secure Minor, it would also send a signal to other free‑agents and trade partners that the Mets are serious about filling gaps. “We’re showing we’re not just a team that wants to chase a short‑term fix,” Rizzo explained. “We’re committed to building for the long haul.”

Looking Ahead

The Mets’ offseason has been anything but quiet. The team has already moved pieces in the minors, promoted a top prospect from the Double‑A affiliate, and invested in a new analytics center that will help evaluate future talent. Adding Minor to the rotation would complement these moves, creating a more well‑rounded team that can compete for a championship in the coming years.

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Mets’ front office, whether they finalize a deal with Minor or turn their attention elsewhere. One thing remains clear: the Mets are not content to sit back and wait for their star arm to return. By targeting a “fit” free‑agent pitcher, they’re putting themselves in a stronger position to contend for playoff glory in 2025 and beyond.