The Mets have many needs to address this off-season, and the rotation is a big one. The team has a weak offense, meaning that they will need to bring in key pitcher's that will keep them in tight games. The rotation will get even worse if they trade away R.A. Dickey and/or Jon Niese, but let's just assume that they are staying put. Now, what would the rotation look like?
1. R.A. Dickey
Dickey is the obvious ace of the staff, now that he is the recipient of the 2012 National League Cy Young award. The guy is one of the most consistent pitcher's out there, and is a lock for a rotation spot in 2013. Hopefully the Mets don't trade him, because his production will be hard to replace.
2. Johan Santana
Santana had a up and down 2012 season, but proved to us that his shoulder was ready again. After his no-hitter against the Cardinals in the summer, his season went downhill, and he was eventually lost for the season with an injury. The only REAL reason he will be in the rotation next year is because of his huge 2013 annual salary, which is over $25+ million.
3. Jon Niese
Niese had his true breakout season in 2012, and proved that he could last the entire season, despite some previous problems with his stamina. If he doesn't get traded, he'll be an exciting player to watch in 2013 because I feel like he can still develop.
4. Matt Harvey
Harvey had a great stint with the Mets last year, and really showed off his arsenal of pitches. He'll most likely make the rotation once Spring Training ends, and I can see him moving up in it if others struggle. It'll be very exciting to see how well he does in a full season.
5. Dillon Gee
Gee had a good 2011 season, but struggled in 2012, and was eventually lost for the season after a freak injury. He is a crafty pitcher who won't strike out too many batters -- typically what you see in a #5 starter. I don't he is a lock for a rotation spot next season, so the #5 spot is sort of up for grabs.
Rotation depth
Jeremy Hefner- Hefner had his ups and down's in 2012, and proved that he could serve as the long-man in the bullpen. He is an innings-eater who will have an occasional good start, but I don't think he is anything more than that.
Collin McHugh- McHugh got off to a good start to the big leagues last September, but it seemed like some hitters figured him out, therefore ending his season on a low note. He is sort of like Dillon Gee -- a crafty pitcher who relies on his off-speed pitches.
Zack Wheeler- Wheeler is most likely not going to make the team out of Spring Training, but you can certainly expect to see him sometime during the 2013 season. He is almost ready for the big leagues, and will hopefully develop into the ace that everyone is making him out to be.
Mike Pelfrey- Pelfrey will probably be re-signed by the Mets on a one year deal based on incentives. We don't know how he'll come back from Tommy John surgery, and where his mental state is, so I wouldn't expect him to make the rotation out of Spring Training.
Jenrry Mejia- The Mets have been trying to decide what they would do with Mejia for a few years now, and after a few spot starts last September, I think he should stick to a bullpen role for now. However, he could probably used for a spot start if needed.
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