The New York Mets have made a move in the free-agent market by signing former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Frankie Montas. Yet, they aren’t stopping there as they continue to pursue ways to enhance their starting rotation.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets are looking to fill the gap left by Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana by targeting Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler.
The two-time All-Star is coming off a tough 2024 season, but his potential has caught the attention of several MLB teams interested in signing him to a short-term deal.
Buehler began the 2022 season as one of the top young pitchers in the league after an impressive 2021 campaign, where he had a 16-4 record and a 2.47 ERA. However, he faced elbow issues that led to Tommy John surgery in August, causing him to miss most of 2022 and all of 2023. After returning to the Dodgers’ rotation in May 2024, he was sidelined for nearly two months due to a right hip injury.
When he did pitch last season, Buehler struggled, finishing with a career-worst 5.38 ERA and a 1-6 record, along with a disappointing -1.3 WAR. Spotrac estimates his market value at approximately $ 3.9 million for a one-year contract.
As it stands, the Mets’ rotation includes Kodai Senga, Montas, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill, indicating there is still plenty of opportunity for enhancements to their starting staff.
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