Mets free agency: The Mets will probably not add to their rotation this offseason

Although Sandy Alderson has recently stated that he would like to bring in a veteran starting pitcher to build rotation depth and protect against a rash of injuries that caused Tommy Milone and Tyler Pill to get significant playing time last year, it now seems that the Mets will go in a different direction.

According to an Anthony DiComo report, although plenty of free agent starting pitchers — such as Jason Vargas, CC Sabathia, and Mets legend R.A. Dickey — remain available, the Mets “don’t appear likely to pursue them.”

Instead, New York will focus on fixing its terrible bullpen, trading for a second baseman, and perhaps adding a first baseman to pair with Dominic Smith. For the rotation, DiComo says that the Mets will rely on their new training staff, former pitching coach Mickey Callaway, and shorter outings to keep their current starters healthy.

The Mets were willing to make an exception to this strategy when Shohei Ohtani became available, but the Japanese star has since spurned the Mets and focused his search on smaller market teams on the west coast.

As they stand now, the Mets have a deep if risk-prone rotation headed by Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Matt Harvey. The next three spots will probably be taken by some combination of Zack Wheeler, Seth Lugo, Steven Matz, and Robert Gsellman.