Mets’ Makeshift Rotation Tops MLB, Still 2nd-Most Expensive

The news that two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom would begin the season on the injured list put a massive dent in the Mets’ starting rotation.

But through seven games, and with Taijuan Walker (shoulder) now on the IL, New York has the best rotation, ranking first in wins (five), ERA (1.29), WHIP (0.69), and batting average against (.161).

The makeshift five truly spans the salary scale, featuring both the highest-paid starting pitcher in baseball (Max Scherzer, $43.3M) and the 200th (David Peterson, $673,577).

• The Mets’ starting five payroll ($65.5M) is second only to the Blue Jays ($68.4M).
• The full starting pitcher allocation will rank first ($94.2M) when deGrom ($20.5M) and Walker ($7M) return.
• Other current Mets starters: Carlos Carrasco ($12M), Chris Bassitt ($8.8M), and Tylor Megill ($700,000).

While Scherzer (2-0, 3.27 ERA) has already begun to justify his three-year, $130 million free-agent contract, Megill is the biggest surprise. The 26-year-old righthander is 2-0 and hasn’t allowed an earned run over his 10.1 innings.

The Mets’ success on the mound has oddsmakers bullish on their chances to win their first World Series since 1986. New York currently is tied for fifth-favorite (+1100) to win it all.