Introduction to the Mets’ Rotation Competition
The New York Mets are gearing up for the 2025 season with a critical decision to make regarding their starting rotation. With two open spots available, the competition has been fierce among the candidates. Manager Carlos Mendoza has revealed that the team is considering carrying three pitchers, including Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, and Griffin Canning, on the Opening Day roster, with one of them potentially being utilized out of the bullpen.
The Competition Heats Up
Just hours before two of the contenders, Griffin Canning and Paul Blackburn, took the mound in their respective split-squad starts against the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, Mendoza disclosed the team’s plans. "We are considering going that route," Mendoza said. "We can put one of those guys in the bullpen, have the other two make the rotation. All three of them, we haven’t decided which one we’ll send to the bullpen if we go that route. We have seven days or so still, a lot can happen."
Strong Performances from Canning and Blackburn
Both Canning and Blackburn delivered strong performances in one of their final auditions before Opening Day. Against Tampa, Canning impressed with nine strikeouts in 4.2 innings, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk behind a formidable slider. This outing lowered his spring ERA to a stellar 0.90, making him a favorite for one of the available spots at the bottom of the rotation.
Mar 10, 2025; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Griffin Canning (46) throws a pitch first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Megill’s Performance
Against Miami, Blackburn yielded two runs on three hits with six strikeouts and two walks in four innings. He has a 5.68 ERA during spring training. Megill allowed four runs on six hits with six strikeouts in five innings of work on Sunday against the Houston Astros. He is 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA this spring.
Conclusion
The Mets’ decision on their starting rotation will have a significant impact on the team’s performance in the 2025 season. With Canning, Blackburn, and Megill all making strong cases for themselves, the competition is fierce. As the team prepares for Opening Day, fans will be eagerly awaiting the final decision on the rotation.
FAQs
- Q: Who are the top contenders for the Mets’ starting rotation?
A: Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill are the top contenders for the two open spots in the rotation. - Q: What is the team’s plan for the rotation?
A: The team is considering carrying all three pitchers on the Opening Day roster, with one potentially being used out of the bullpen. - Q: How have the contenders performed during spring training?
A: Canning has a 0.90 ERA, Blackburn has a 5.68 ERA, and Megill has a 3.86 ERA during spring training.For more on the Mets, visit AMNY.com
