Here’s what the Mets rotation would look like with Trevor Bauer

If the New York Mets can close the deal with Trevor Bauer, they would have a formidable and enviable starting rotation.

Only in baseball would the top free agent still be available so deep into an offseason, but here we are with reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer. It seems to be down to two teams who will get him, with the New York Mets having the highest offer out there according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.

There were conflicting reports about the Mets having a deal with Bauer on Thursday. But it doesn’t appear they will be outbid, even if the Los Angeles Dodgers do reshape their latest offer as Morosi suggested they could. The fly in the Mets’ ointment might be that Bauer is from Southern California.

What would the Mets rotation look like with Trevor Bauer?

Let’s assume the Mets do get Bauer. Here’s what their starting rotation would look like.

1 – Jacob deGrom
2 – Trevor Bauer
3 – Carlos Carrasco
4 – Marcus Stroman
5 – David Peterson/Joey Lucchesi/Noah Syndergaard

Bauer would slot in behind two-time Cy Young Award winner deGrom to create an enviable 1-2 atop the rotation, but when it comes down to it the order they start the season in isn’t that important. Carrasco came from the Indians in the Francisco Lindor trade, and Stroman is back after opting out last season. Peterson was solid as a rookie last year (3.44 ERA), and Lucchesi is a candidate for a rotation spot after coming aboard via the three-team deal highlighted by Joe Musgrove going to the Padres. Then there’s Syndergaard, who’s on track to return from Tommy John surgery around midseason.

Bauer’s decision could come on Friday, and there’ll be no comfort for the Mets until it’s confirmed he’s coming. But with a second big move to complete an active offseason, they’d become a legit threat to the Atlanta Braves in the NL East.