The New York Mets rotation for the 2023 campaign is still, understandably, a work in progress.
The unit could look very, very different next year.
The offseason is just starting, and some pitchers have opted out of their contracts or declined player options.
This is the case of Jacob deGrom, Chris Bassitt, and Taijuan Walker.
All of them were important parts of the 2022 Mets, and all of them are hitting the market by choice.
The Mets, however, do have the option to decide whether they want Carlos Carrasco returning next year or not.
Mets insider Mike Puma was asked on Twitter whether general manager Billy Eppler had decided on Carrasco’s club option yet.
“Eppler wouldn’t say. Mets have until Thursday to decide,” Puma replied.
Eppler wouldn't say. Mets have until Thursday to decide. https://t.co/Myb80CROUV
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) November 9, 2022
In a matter of hours, we should learn about Carrasco’s future.
The Mets Don’t Have Many Certainties In The Rotation
The club option is worth $14 million.
Carrasco is getting up there in age: he will be 36 by the time the 2023 campaign starts.
He is still a reliable pitcher when healthy, though: in 29 starts, he posted a 3.97 ERA with an even better 3.53 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP).
He pitched 152 innings, but it was enough for him to win 15 games in 2022.
With just Max Scherzer, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill under contract, one would think the Mets should exercise Carrasco’s option even though it’s a bit expensive for someone his age.
He remains trustworthy as long as health is on his side, and the Mets need some certainties in the rotation.
Whether they retain Carrasco or not, the Mets are widely expected to address pitching in the offseason.
Bringing back deGrom is their number one priority.
NEXT: Mets GM Reveals The Latest On Jacob deGrom