Three Starters Who Could Bolster Mets’ Rotation

As 2026 approaches, the Mets still have plenty of work to do to reshape their roster for the upcoming season. They’ve added and subtracted to their lineup and bullpen; however, they haven’t made many additions to their starting rotation yet. For a team that started the 2025 campaign with the best rotation ERA for the first month (2.24 ERA) and the fourth-worst rotation ERA (5.65) in the final two months, upgrades are needed.

Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Nolan McLean and Kodai Senga seem like the penciled-in rotation right now, with Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong and Christian Scott waiting in the wings. Tylor Megill will miss all of 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2025 season.

The top-tier free agent starter market remains wide open as of writing. LHP Framber Valdez, LHP Ranger Suárez, RHP Zac Gallen and RHP Tatsuya Imai all remain available, with Imai’s signing window coming to a close on January 2 at 5 p.m. ET. Imai stated recently that he “has not received an MLB offer.”

With David Stearns not keen on spending big on a long-term free agent pitcher (not to say he won’t), here are three possible fits to bolster the Mets’ rotation in 2026.

Zach Littell, RHP

Had Zack Littell been a Met in 2025, he would have led the rotation in innings pitched (186.2), games started (32), WHIP (1.104) and fewest walks allowed (32). Not to mention, he would have led the team in the number of times Littell made it into the sixth inning or later (20). He allowed the second-most home runs (36) in 2025, but he was pitching in two of the most hitter-friendly parks (Great American Ball Park and the Rays’ temporary home at Steinbrenner Field). Had he pitched every game at Citi Field, he would have allowed 31 home runs.

His walk rate is what stands out the most, and for a rotation that handed the most walks in the NL (324), Littell would help curb that. He pitches to contact, but also can generate a high chase rate (30.8%) with his split-finger, his best pitch. Walks killed the Mets in 2025, and adding a pitcher who can limit the free pass is vital. Read MMO’s full coverage on Littell here.

Tyler Mahle, RHP

Not the sexiest name on any list, but Mahle quietly had a productive year when healthy. He posted a 2.18 ERA in 16 starts, the most he made since 2022. In those 86.2 innings, Mahle struck out 66 and walked 29. Like Littell, he pitches to contact and isn’t a big strikeout guy, but gets the out when needed. His walk rate is below average (8.4%), and staying healthy has been troublesome over the past few years. Since 2023, he’s started in just 24 games, dealing with Tommy John surgery and right shoulder fatigue.

It would be a risky play for the Mets, but another low-risk, high-reward opportunity the Mets like to cash in on.

Zac Gallen, RHP

It’s unlikely David Stearns goes big on a free agent pitcher. However, of all the top-tier starters on the market, Gallen fits into Stearns’ plans the most. Gallen suffered a career-worst 2025, posting highs in ERA (4.83), ER (103), walks (66) and home runs allowed (31). He owns a 3.58 career ERA and made late-season adjustments in 2025 to return to career marks. Post All-Star break, Gallen worked to a 3.97 ERA in 13 starts, striking out 65 and allowing just 21 walks.

The Mets could theoretically buy low on Gallen, who declined the qualifying offer, in hopes of giving him a “prove me” deal, which the 30-year-old can turn into a more lucrative contract in 2027. Read MMO’s free agent profile of Gallen here.

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