Mets betting on their pitching prospects for post-trade deadline help

The Mets were “engaged” in the starting pitcher market, David Stearns said, but ultimately did not add for a few reasons. 

In part because not every starter who was reported to be available (such as the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera, and the Twins’ Joe Ryan) was moved; in part because “there are multiple ways to build a pitching staff,” and the Mets opted for a high-end bullpen; in part because of a confidence in their current rotation; and in part because they are “pleased with the development of how some of the guys in Triple-A are progressing.” 

Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat were not traded, but their presence at least factored into the Mets’ trade-deadline action and inaction. Two of the club’s top pitching prospects “can help” eventually, Stearns said, though he would not commit to that “eventually” being this season. 

McLean, a third-round pick in 2023, has not hit any stumbles at Triple-A and owns a combined 2.60 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 104 innings between Syracuse and Double-A Binghamton. 

Sproat, a second-round pick in 2023, had struggled this season before turning a corner. The righty entered his start Thursday night having allowed two earned runs in his previous 28 innings (0.64 ERA) while striking out 30 in the five starts. 

The Mets did not add a top- or even middle-of-rotation type of arm at the deadline. Their best bet for additional help will come from within. 

“We understand that they could — may not definitely — but could be part of the mix going forward if needed,” Stearns said in general about his top arms in Syracuse. 

At the moment, there is not a need due to an injury, but the current group is not excelling.

No Mets starter besides David Peterson has pitched six innings in a game since Clay Holmes on June 7 — nearly eight weeks ago.

The Mets have indicated no desire to transition Holmes back to the bullpen, while Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas continue to lengthen out from injuries. 

Until a need becomes more evident — or perhaps until a need naturally arises, and the Mets could turn to a sixth starter to ensure an additional day of rest for the whole group as soon as Wednesday’s series finale against the Guardians — Stearns said the pair will continue to grow in Syracuse. 

“I think they can help, and I think it’s just a matter of their continued development, which they’re doing a really good job of, and then when does the opportunity arise?” Stearns said of McLean and Sproat. “And is it the right time? 

“But both those guys have taken very nice steps forward in their development. … And if we need someone from Triple-A, I think we’ve got people down there.”