The New York Mets have entered the free-agent market by reaching an agreement with former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Frankie Montas. However, they are not stopping there in their efforts to strengthen their starting rotation.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets, who are set to lose Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, are eyeing Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler.
The two-time All-Star is coming off a challenging 2024 season, but his potential has attracted interest from multiple MLB teams, who are looking to sign him to a short-term deal.
Buehler entered the 2022 season as one of the league’s top young pitchers after an impressive All-Star 2021 campaign, where he posted a 16-4 record and a 2.47 ERA. However, issues with his right elbow led to Tommy John surgery in August, causing him to miss most of 2022 and all of 2023. The 30-year-old returned to the Dodgers’ rotation in May of the 2024 season, but a right hip injury sidelined him for nearly two months.
When he was on the mound last season, Buehler struggled. He posted a career-high 5.38 ERA and a 1-6 record, along with a disappointing -1.3 WAR. Spotrac estimates his market value at $3.9 million for a one-year contract.
Currently, the Mets’ rotation includes Kodai Senga, Montas, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill, leaving plenty of room for further upgrades to their starting staff.
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