MLB rumors: Phillies losing traction, Mets getting stronger at pitching

In the latest MLB rumors, the New York Mets are getting stronger at pitching, while the Phillies may need to look to replace a starter soon.

The days between now and opening day you can officially count on one hand. That’s great news for baseball fans everywhere. The NL East figures to be one of the most interesting divisions in baseball this year, with three of the four teams positioned to be highly competitive this year.

The Phillies made it to the World Series last year, the Mets spent big money to try to get there this year, and the Braves continue to be an exciting young team built on savvy moves that keep them competing with richer squads.

Who knows what the Marlins are going to do this year.

With days to go, teams are putting the finishing touches on their rosters for the year. Here’s the latest on pitching for two of the NL East squads.

Mets add veteran pitching depth

According to Bob Nightengale, the Mets have signed Dylan Bundy to a minor league deal.

Bundy pitched for the Minnesota Twins last year and went 8-8 in 29 starts with a 4.89 ERA, the worst of the Twins’ starting rotation. We have to go back to 2020 to find a sub-4.5 ERA season for Nola, but he stuck around in the majors for seven years prior to this contract.

For a team that made so many flashy moves this offseason, a Bundy signing feels rather lukewarm. But having him on the minor league squad for depth, if nothing else, is a plus for the Mets.

Aaron Nola, Phillies negotiations have stalled

According to Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, negotiations have stalled between starting pitcher Aaron Nola and the organization. Nola is a free agent after this year, but finalizing an extension now would have taken a lot of pressure off both sides.

"“We think the world of him, quality pitcher, quality human being, but sometimes you get to this point where you’re not able to consummate a deal that both sides feel comfortable,” Dombrowski said to Alex Coffey of the Philly Inquirer."

While the Phillies and Nola not agreeing to an extension doesn’t preclude the two sides from agreeing on something after the season — or even mid-season, for that matter — it definitely makes it more difficult. The two sides have indicated negotiations won’t happen during the season, which is somewhat standard.

If he becomes a free agent, he may ultimately find himself back in Philly, but it could raise his price on the open market, or he could find interesting opportunities elsewhere.

Nola’s ERA was second amongst Phillies starting pitchers in 2022, and he pitched 38 more innings than his counterparts with the highest strikeouts per nine innings.

Read more on the contract standoff here.