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The Mets Signed Michael Wacha. What's Next?

The Mets have just signed former Cardinals pitcher, Michael Wacha, to a one-year deal for 3 million. He will presumably become the Mets fifth starter behind deGrom, Syndergaard, Stroman, and Matz. Once a NLCS MVP, Wacha posted a 6-7 record with a 4.76 ERA, and 104 Ks. Although not his best season, he has posted a sub 3.50 ERA four times in 7 seasons. He has shown flashes of dominance, which as a number five, would be pleasant to see. He isn't Gerrit Cole, but he can definitely be impactful in 2020.

Although the Mets have finally made a move, they shouldn't be done with pitching. Here are a few more options for the rotation and the pen that can balance each other out.

The Mets and former Red Sox pitcher, Rick Porcello, have expressed mutual interest in each other. Porcello has loads of playoff experience with Detroit and Boston that will help give a more aggressive feeling in the clubhouse. 2019 was not pretty for him, posting a 14-12 record, 5.52 ERA, with 143 Ks. While this isn't a fantastic line, Porcello has shown flashes of brilliance. His careers highs include 22 Wins (2016), 223.0 IP (2016), 3.15 ERA (2016), 190 K (2018). Porcello will be entering his age 31 season, so if this deal is still on the table, expect a Wacha type contract. If, and a big IF, the Mets still have some type of pursuit for Porcello, this would allow Steven Matz to move to the bullpen. Seth Lugo had a career year, with a nomination for All-MLB Team as a reliever, making the move to the pen. Matz absolutely has that potentially if he makes that move. But, expect him to be in the Opening Day rotation.

If Matz does not move to the bullpen, the Mets should aggressively go after former Yankees All-Star, Dellin Betances. The Mets obviously need bullpen help, as they always do. Betances was a 4 times all star in pinstripes, and that could be a great acquisition for the blue & orange. Betances was between the Yankees and Mets as his top 2 landing spots. With the Bronx Bombers giving Gerrit Cole $36 million AAV, it is hard to see them spending too much money on a reliever that appeared in one game. After the Edwin Diaz trade, it is understandable for fans to be hesitant on acquiring relievers. But, Betances has been consistent through his 5 healthy seasons. He has posted a career 2.36 ERA, a 21-22 record, and 621 strikeouts. From 2014-2018, Betances only had one season with an ERA greater than 3.00. Coming off an injury, and entering his age 32 season, there is potential for a 2 or 3 year deal for this solid reliever. If he comes back healthy, he could be a great asset alongside Lugo and Diaz, if Diaz returns back to his 2018 self.

There are a few steps the Mets could take to strengthen their bullpen. Ultimately, it would be best to target Betances, but if that is unable to happen, moving Matz to the bullpen could become a nice surprise. It is up to GM Brodie Van Wagenen to continue to sign free agents and stay away from trades. Rumors have come out around OF Brandon Nimmo being moved, and that is an absolutely terrible idea. Fans have seen the impact Nimmo can make offensively and defensively. If Van Wagenen wants to win now, there are still enough free agents available to set the Mets up nicely. Once Cohen takes over 50% of team control, most likely not in time for 2019 but the 2020 off season, the Mets can become serious contenders with the rotation and young talent they have in the field. Still, that is no excuse for Van Wagenen to not target free agents this off season as well.

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