One of the biggest goals the New York Mets have to accomplish this season is to find an ace for their starting rotation, preferably one who can mentor their rising stars in Jonah Tong and Nolan McLean. Luckily, an old friend may be the answer.
Fansided’s Christopher Kline believes that former Mets superstar Jacob deGrom would be the perfect ace to retake his spot at the top of New York’s rotation. Also, having a two-time Cy Young winner mentor your rising stars is a big plus.
“The most obvious landing spot would be the New York Mets, with whom deGrom spent the first nine years of his illustrious career, carving out a special place in Queens history. He is absolutely beloved there and he would surely welcome the opportunity to return. This is more than a sentimental fit, however. The Mets badly need an experienced ace to headline the rotation as Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea become increasingly unreliable. deGrom can deliver immediate results as the Mets attempt to get back into the postseason mix and serve as a valuable mentor for New York’s next generation of pitchers, such as Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong,” Kline wrote.
This past season, deGrom posted a 12-8 record, a 2.97 ERA, 185 Ks, and a 0.921 WHIP over 172 innings pitched. In a rotation full of uncertainty and declining talents, deGrom would be the shot of consistent energy that they need.
deGrom is also 37 years old and has only two years left on his contract, with a club option for a third. That should be ample enough time to mentor the young stars of New York, and possibly finish out his career with his original team.
Hopefully, they realize this and somehow get negotiations started with the Texas Rangers for their old ace.
