David Stearns making Mets rotation a top priority as Tarik Skubal talk swirls
LAS VEGAS — The Mets’ checkbook is wide open as they seek roster improvements this offseason.Even following a brutal 74-win season with MLB’s second-highest payroll, president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated Tuesday that the Mets’ modus operandi remains the same in the pursuit of a championship.
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“I expect that to be the case this offseason as well.”As The Post’s Jon Heyman first reported, Tarik Skubal — the top free agent on the market — will meet with Mets officials next week.Stearns declined to address the pursuit of the two-time Cy Young Award winner, but remained resolute that improving the rotation remains a top priority.It’s a rotation with potential pieces that include Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Zac Thornton, Sean Manaea and Tylor Megill (who is returning from Tommy John surgery rehab).
In addition, Stearns said Kodai Senga (who is a potential trade candidate) will head to spring training as a starter after spending most of last season in the bullpen.A horse or horses that can carry a playoff rotation are more than a luxury for a franchise seeking to end a 40-year World Series title drought.“Having a complete rotation is really important, and that includes having pitchers that successfully can get you through a playoff series,” Stearns said.“We have seen over and over again in the playoffs that it can be constructed in a variety of different ways and so we’re open to doing it any way possible.”Stearns, during his tenure overseeing Milwaukee’s front office and in his first three seasons with the Mets, has not embraced long-term contracts for free agent pitchers.
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