Mets: Predicting playoff rotation with Jacob deGrom back in the fold

The New York Mets have been one of the best teams in MLB all season, and they’re likely to improve even more with Jacob deGrom back.

The New York Mets have been one of the best teams in the league all season. Their starting rotation has been above league average, and it’s likely only going to get better with Jacob deGrom officially back.

The veteran pitcher will most likely be used in the starting rotation during the playoffs. He made a late start to this season with his debut on Aug. 2, but he’s wasting no time and producing valuable results. Over 16.2 total innings pitched, he’s only given up three runs, one walk and has struck out 28.

His last full regular season was in 2019, and he produced an ERA of 2.43, batting average against of .207, and WHIP of 0.97. He’s easily one of the best options for the rotation.

There are some obvious candidates but, with the Mets heading toward the postseason, who will deGrom be joined by in the playoff rotation? Let’s take a look.

Predicting Mets playoff rotation with Jacob deGrom back

Frankly, the decision might be made easier — unfortunately so — given the recent early exits of Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker, both of whom have pitched well this season.

Max Scherzer is clearly the 1A of the rotation to a healthy deGrom as 1B. Scherzer has been on a roll this season that lines up consistently with previous seasons. So far, he’s produced an ERA of 1.93, BAA of .209 and WHIP of 0.93.

Beyond that, Chris Bassitt would be the next obvious choice as the No. 3 man in the rotation. Coming over to the Big Apple this offseason via trade. He’s not been on the level of deGrom or Scherzer, but few are. He has been enjoying a great season with an ERA of 3.27, BAA of .229 and WHIP of 1.13. He’s a reliable third option who could be valuable in the postseason.

If the Mets were to deploy a four-man rotation for the playoffs, it would likely be Walker getting the nod, assuming he’s healthy. In his second season with the club, he’s enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career with a 3.36 ERAand 1.202 WHIP. As long as he is able to take the mound, he’s a fantastic fourth option as Carrasco could make a spot start or relief outing if needed.

Among the league, the Mets have the fifth-best ERA (3.52), eighth-best opponent batting average (.234) and fifth-best WHIP (1.19). Their numbers will likely get better with deGrom in the rotation, so they may have an advantage going into the playoffs.