Winner of Mets' Rotation Battle Between Steven Matz and Michael Wacha Could Be None of the Above
By Brendan Balsamo
A big question around New York Mets camp so far this spring? Who wins the fifth spot in the starting rotation for 2020. The top four spots are a lock with Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, and Rick Porcello, and the smart money so far has been on either Steven Matz or Michael Wacha taking tht final spot.
However, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Luis Rojas and Co. could go in a more unexpected direction. Either one of those guys could win the job, they'll split it and share duties, or they could both lose, as the Mets might go with an opener instead.
https://t.co/DvZjPUUINu #Mets are toying with not going with a fifth starter and merely matching up with what is best against specific opponents.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 25, 2020
Sherman notes that the Mets have considered tossing out Robert Gsellman or Seth Lugo for the opening innings in the No. 5 role. They could even pick and choose who starts based on specific situations, like starting Matz against lefty-heavy lineups. They could also go the traditional route and choose one of these two as a full-time No. 5 "starter" and put the other as a long relief option in the bullpen.
Not sure how Steven Matz could be involved in the Mets fifth starter competition given that he is - and should be - their fourth starter...?
— Doug Williams (@DougWilliamsSNY) February 25, 2020
There has been no tell as to where the Mets are leaning when it comes to the decision they want to make. All told, it will come down to which guy performs the best during the springtime audition process.