Done Deal: Why the New York Mets Should Avoid This Top Free Agent Starter Due to One Key Factor
The New York Mets have always been a team to watch during the offseason. With their deep pockets, their commitment to winning, and their position as one of Major League Baseball’s largest markets, the Mets are consistently involved in high-profile player acquisitions and trades. Whether it’s adding power hitters, shoring up their bullpen, or strengthening their rotation, the Mets are often seen as one of the most ambitious teams in the league.
This offseason, the Mets have had their eyes set on improving their pitching staff. After a 2024 season filled with ups and downs, they are looking for ways to bounce back and remain competitive in the National League East. With the free-agent market presenting a variety of enticing options, the Mets are considering adding a top-tier starter to their rotation, and there’s one name that has consistently come up in rumors: Jacob deGrom.
deGrom, a former Met, was once one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. His fastball velocity, slider movement, and command of the strike zone made him a nightmare for opposing batters. However, as of late, there is one key factor that might cause the Mets to think twice before pulling the trigger on a potential reunion: deGrom’s injury history.
This article delves deep into why the Mets should avoid bringing back deGrom, despite his potential upside, due to his recurring injury concerns. With analysis of deGrom’s medical history, the Mets’ current roster and needs, and a broader look at the consequences of investing in injury-prone pitchers, this piece will outline why this deal may not be as “done” as it seems.
The Allure of Jacob deGrom: Why He Was Once Unstoppable
Before we dive into why the Mets should avoid Jacob deGrom, it’s essential to understand why the Mets might be tempted to pursue him. Jacob deGrom was once considered not only the ace of the Mets’ rotation but also one of the most feared pitchers in the league. His tenure with the Mets saw him win two Cy Young Awards (2014, 2019) and establish himself as one of the elite pitchers of his generation.
deGrom’s success on the mound was built on his extraordinary stuff. His fastball consistently reached 100 mph, and his slider was so devastating that it became one of the most unhittable pitches in MLB. In his prime, deGrom was the type of pitcher who could shut down any offense, regardless of the lineup. His ability to generate strikeouts and work deep into games made him one of the most valuable commodities in baseball.
At his best, deGrom was more than just a top-of-the-rotation ace; he was a once-in-a-generation talent capable of changing the course of a season. Even during his tenure with the Mets, deGrom was often the lone bright spot in an otherwise mediocre team. His performances were routinely spectacular, often leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what might have been had he been surrounded by more offensive support or better defense.
The Injury Problem: A Recurring Theme in deGrom’s Career
Unfortunately, for all of deGrom’s undeniable talent, his career has been marred by injuries in recent years. While the Mets’ front office and fans had hoped that the worst of deGrom’s injury woes were behind him after several rehab stints, his time with the Texas Rangers has seen the injury bug bite him once again.
1. Shoulder and Elbow Issues:
deGrom’s injury history dates back to 2020 when he began experiencing issues with his right elbow and shoulder. These initial concerns led to a shortened 2020 season, where deGrom made just 12 starts. The injury problems persisted in the following seasons, with deGrom managing just a handful of appearances in 2021 and 2022 before being shut down due to lingering soreness in his throwing arm.
By the time deGrom signed with the Rangers ahead of the 2023 season, many questioned whether his injury-prone history was a risk worth taking. Unfortunately, those concerns turned out to be well-founded. In 2023, deGrom made only 26 starts for the Rangers before suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow that ultimately required surgery, effectively ending his season.
2. The Recovery Question:
One of the biggest concerns with deGrom’s injury history is the nature of the injuries he’s faced. Elbow injuries—especially UCL tears—are notoriously difficult to predict, and pitchers often take significant time to fully recover from such injuries. Given that deGrom’s career has been derailed multiple times by similar ailments, there is a significant risk in betting on him to return to form.
While many pitchers recover from Tommy John surgery and go on to have successful careers, the fact that deGrom has been repeatedly sidelined with arm issues raises doubts about his ability to stay healthy for a full season. And considering that he’s now entering his mid-30s, the likelihood of consistent injury-free seasons grows slimmer. A team like the Mets, which is looking to remain competitive for the next few years, cannot afford to invest in a player who is constantly at risk of further injury.
Why the Mets Should Avoid deGrom: The Bigger Picture
Despite deGrom’s undeniable talent, the Mets should seriously consider passing on the opportunity to bring him back into the fold. There are a few key reasons why his injury history is a major red flag, particularly given the Mets’ current roster construction and future ambitions.
1. Risk of Another Setback:
For the Mets, who are looking to build a sustainable winning team, the risk of deGrom suffering another injury is far too high. Over the past few years, the Mets have experienced a similar situation with pitchers like Noah Syndergaard and Carlos Carrasco, both of whom struggled to stay healthy and contribute at a high level. With their pitching depth being a key component to any success they have, the risk of deGrom missing significant time due to injury outweighs the potential reward of adding him to the rotation.
Additionally, deGrom’s injury-prone history raises questions about his ability to pitch deep into a season. A team like the Mets would need a starter who can not only perform in the postseason but also provide a consistent presence throughout the regular season. If deGrom is constantly on the injured list, it would be a waste of resources and could ultimately derail the Mets’ season.
2. Financial Investment:
Jacob deGrom is no longer the young, inexpensive ace he once was. After his successful stint with the Mets, his free-agent market value is significant. The Rangers signed deGrom to a five-year, $185 million contract in 2023, which speaks to his standing as one of the top pitchers in the league (or at least his potential to be). Given the Mets’ financial situation and their long-term roster plans, it would be difficult to justify a major financial commitment to a pitcher who has not been able to stay on the field consistently in recent years.
The Mets have several areas of need, and a significant chunk of their budget could be better allocated elsewhere. Whether it’s improving their lineup, bolstering their bullpen, or addressing other positional concerns, investing in a high-risk player like deGrom may ultimately hurt the team’s flexibility in building a competitive roster. This isn’t to say that deGrom isn’t worth a look, but given the context of the Mets’ current situation, it’s likely a gamble they should avoid.
3. Depth and Long-Term Sustainability:
While the Mets are undoubtedly looking for top-tier pitching, the team needs to be thinking about the future, especially in terms of roster depth. Building a rotation with multiple injury-prone pitchers—like deGrom—could leave them vulnerable down the stretch of the season. Instead, the Mets should focus on acquiring pitchers who can contribute reliably over multiple years, even if they aren’t quite as dominant as deGrom when he’s at his best.
Given that the Mets’ rotation already includes several high-risk players (such as Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer), adding deGrom to the mix would only increase the strain on their depth. While deGrom’s potential upside could be high, the Mets would be wise to consider whether the risk is truly worth it, especially when they are in a position to build a more sustainable, long-term rotation.
4. The Mets’ Core and Contending Window:
The Mets are in the middle of their own contending window, with a talented roster headlined by Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and a number of strong supporting pieces. Their rotation, although bolstered by veterans like Scherzer and Verlander, is still a question mark heading into 2025. The Mets need pitchers who can give them stability as they look to compete in the National League East. Relying on deGrom, given his injury history, might not provide that stability.
Rather than taking the risk on deGrom, the Mets might be better served by targeting more durable pitchers who can provide solid innings throughout the season and give them the depth they need to survive a grueling playoff run. Building a deeper, more reliable rotation may prove to be a wiser strategy as they look to remain competitive in the coming years.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
As exciting as the prospect of reuniting with Jacob deGrom might be for the New York Mets, the risks associated with his injury history cannot be ignored. The Mets need to be cautious about betting too heavily on a pitcher whose career has been interrupted by multiple injuries, especially when they have a window to contend for championships with a roster full of talent.
The key to winning in Major League Baseball is not just about finding elite talents, but also about building a sustainable team that can remain competitive over the long haul. The Mets need pitchers who can give them consistent performances and stay healthy for an entire season. Investing in deGrom, with all of his injury concerns, would be a gamble that may not pay off in the long run.
In short, while the Mets would love to have deGrom back in their rotation, the smartest move might be to look elsewhere for their starting pitching needs. For now, the best course of action may be to leave this “done deal” in the past and explore other, more reliable options for the future.
