METS

Five burning questions for the NY Mets starting rotation this offseason

Justin Toscano
MLB Writer

The Mets' starting rotation entered the 2021 season with the looks of a potentially dominant unit, one that could carry a club through a successful regular season and in a postseason run. 

The rotation exited the season with more questions than answers, which is weird considering the group probably shouldn't shoulder much blame for the team's disappointing year. 

Still, there are concerns related to both performance and injuries. The Mets will need to ponder these, and act on them, before spring training rolls around. 

Here are five offseason questions about the Mets' starting rotation as we continue looking toward the future: 

Will Jacob deGrom return to dominance?

New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom tips his cap to fans after a baseball game against the Washington Nationals Friday, April 23, 2021, in New York. The Mets won 6-0. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

I had to start with this one. It probably would've been malpractice not to do so. 

Jacob deGrom did not pitch after early July. He suffered a right UCL sprain that president Sandy Alderson said resolved itself. 

It's still concerning, and it might be until we see deGrom on the mound again. 

Will he return to form and still be the best pitcher in baseball? 

Multiple times in the final couple weeks of the season, former manager Luis Rojas said the Mets expect deGrom to be himself in 2022. But we don't know if he'll reach the level of dominance he did early in 2021, when he got off to a historic start. 

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Rojas said deGrom could have pitched in the final week, and that he would go through his offseason throwing program. All of this, however, is uncertain until we actually see deGrom in spring training. 

This goes without saying: The Mets really, really need deGrom to be the best pitcher in baseball. If he isn't, their rotation automatically becomes weaker. 

Can Carlos Carrasco have a normal spring training this time around?

New York Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) looks back during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field.

The Mets already needed Carlos Carrasco to step up in a big way next season. 

Then some unexpected news hit. 

The Mets on Wednesday announced Carlos Carrasco underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a bone fragment from his right elbow. The Mets said Carrasco "will resume baseball activities later this winter."

Based on what the Mets said, it would seem Carrasco will be ready for spring training. But injury recovery timetables can be tricky. 

Due to a hamstring injury, Carrasco didn't pitch for the Mets until July 30. He looked forward to having a normal spring training in 2022. 

His surgery, however, brings some questions about how much he'll be able to build up before reporting to Port St. Lucie, Florida. 

Does Marcus Stroman stay or go? 

New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman stretches after giving up a single to Miami Marlins' Jazz Chisholm Jr. during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 21, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

DeGrom can opt out after next season. Carrasco is a free agent after next season. Noah Syndergaard is a free agent this winter. 

The Mets should try to re-sign Marcus Stroman because it would provide stability to their rotation. 

Whether Stroman will actually return is a different story. 

That depends on his other suitors — and there should be many — and their offers. He earned the payday he will soon receive in a multi-year deal. He bet on himself for 2021 and is set to cash in because of his efforts. 

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Would we see the 'old Noah' in 2022? 

New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers against the Miami Marlins during the first inning of game two of a doubleheader at Citi Field.

For this question, I'm assuming Noah Syndergaard returns via the qualifying offer or another deal the Mets structure for him. Multiple times, he's stated his desire to return to the team. 

Instead, I ask: How would Syndergaard look on the mound? 

After his second and final outing of 2021, Syndergaard said: "Now it's time to get back to the old Noah."

Syndergaard returned in the season's final week and threw two innings — one in each appearance. He did not throw sliders or curveballs because doctors recommended he not do so for the remainder of the year. 

Now we'll see if Syndergaard can fully overcome Tommy John surgery. In 2022, we'll get a look at his repertoire, his velocity and more. He's electrified the Mets' fanbase in years past and could do so again. 

Can Taijuan Walker put together a full season?

New York Mets starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) reacts as Boston Red Sox left fielder Kyle Schwarber (18) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run in the second inning at Fenway Park.

I usually roll me eyes at the "tale of two halves" cliché in sports, but it works here, so I'll be a hypocrite for a few seconds. 

Taijuan Walker went to the All-Star Game for his first-half performance in 2021. His second half, on the other hand, brought concerns about whether he can handle the full workload of a season. 

Walker had a 2.66 ERA over 94 2/3 innings before the All-Star break. 

After the break, he posted a 7.13 ERA over 64 1/3 frames. 

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Before 2021, Walker hadn't pitched much since 2018, when he underwent Tommy John surgery. And because of the COVID-19 season in 2020, this year represented his first crack at proving he can handle a full season. 

The Mets' ideal rotation next season would seem to be this: deGrom, Stroman, Carrasco, Syndergaard and Walker. Of course, clubs must always have backup plans due to random, unfortunate events that occur from spring training until the postseason. 

But if Walker can achieve more consistency in 2022, which he stated as a goal, the rotation could be dangerous. 

Justin Toscano is the Mets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Mets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.

Email: toscanoj@northjersey.com 

Twitter: @justinctoscano