Mets Rotation Options for 2027 | The Decision Room

The Mets’ Rotation Reckoning

The Decision Room | 2026–27 Offseason | New York Mets

The Dilemma: All That Money. All Those Expectations. Last Place.

Steve Cohen has spent a fortune trying to bring a championship to Queens.

In 2026, the New York Mets entered the season as NL East favorites.

They finished last.

Not second. Not third. Dead last.

For a franchise spending like a championship contender, that’s an embarrassing return on investment.

And the rotation certainly didn’t help.

Mets starters ranked 23rd in ERA, 22nd in WHIP, and 25th in walks per nine innings. They struggled to prevent runs, keep runners off base, and consistently attack the strike zone.

But this isn’t simply a pitching problem.

It’s an aging, expensive roster with holes throughout. And quite frankly, it doesn’t look particularly good on paper anymore, either.

David Stearns has plenty of work ahead of him.

The Mets have promising young arms, but potential doesn’t guarantee production. And another massive contract won’t automatically solve everything that’s gone wrong.

So what exactly is this team trying to be?

A contender willing to write another enormous check? A team building around its next generation? Or something caught uncomfortably in between?

Steve Cohen can afford almost any pitcher on the market.

That doesn’t mean he should buy one.

Six pitchers. Three different approaches. One rotation that desperately needs answers.

Welcome to The Decision Room.

The Candidates

Internal Options

1. TYLOR MEGILL

The Forgotten Arm

2025: 14 GS | 68⅓ IP | 3.95 ERA | 1.36 WHIP | 89 K

2027 Contract: Arbitration 3 | $2.5M projected

Tylor Megill isn’t some undiscovered gem waiting for his breakout season.

We know what he is.

At his absolute best, he’s a No. 4 starter. More realistically, he’s a swingman who can give you innings when the rotation needs help.

And there’s value in that.

Every team needs eight or more starting pitchers to navigate a full season. Injuries happen. Doubleheaders happen. Somebody inevitably struggles. Megill can be part of that solution.

But first, he needs to stay healthy.

He missed the entire 2026 season following Tommy John surgery. And across five major-league seasons, he’s surpassed 100 innings just once.

That’s not a track record you can build around.

The stuff has occasionally flashed. His slider generated a 46.4% whiff rate in 2025, giving him a legitimate weapon when he’s locating it.

But his fastball command remains inconsistent, and elevated walks have repeatedly limited his effectiveness. Those problems don’t disappear simply because he’s healthy again.

At a projected $2.5 million in his final arbitration year, Megill is an affordable depth option worth keeping around.

Give him an opportunity to work his way back. Let him compete for innings when he’s ready.

But don’t enter the offseason penciling him into the rotation or counting on him to suddenly become something he hasn’t been.

THE TAKEAWAY: Megill has a place on this pitching staff. He just shouldn’t be part of the plan the Mets are depending on to fix it.

2. JONAH TONG

The Development Dilemma

2026: 7 G | 4 GS | 30⅔ IP | 3.82 ERA | 34 K

2027 Status: Age-24 season | Pre-arbitration

Jonah Tong has the foundation of a quality major-league starter.

His unusual over-the-top delivery creates deception, and hitters struggled against his four-seamer (.217 AVG) and changeup (.143 AVG) in 2026.

But there’s still plenty to develop.

Tong needs a reliable third pitch he can use against both righties and lefties. His cutter hasn’t been the answer, allowing a .304 average and .565 slugging percentage.

He also needs to repeat his mechanics more consistently. His delivery creates an uncomfortable look, but a 10.4% walk rate suggests he’s still struggling to command it.

I see the potential for a dependable No. 3 or No. 4 starter.

But if this is all Tong becomes?

He’s probably a back-end starter or swingman.

And that’s fine.

At just 24, he should have every opportunity to compete for a rotation spot in spring training.

Just don’t guarantee him one.

The Mets need to build their rotation without counting on Tong to take a major leap forward.

THE TAKEAWAY: Let Tong earn his innings. Develop the third pitch, clean up the mechanics, and see how far the talent takes him.

Free-Agent Market

3. MICHAEL KING

More Than Just Another Starter

2026: 32 GS | 185 IP | 3.21 ERA | 1.18 WHIP | 159 K

2027 Projected Contract: 4 years, $100M ($25M AAV) — FanGraphs

Michael King offers something the Mets desperately need.

Stability.

He completed at least six innings in 22 of his 32 starts in 2026, providing the kind of workload New York’s rotation has been missing.

His declining strikeout and whiff rates, elevated walks, and home-road splits raise some concerns.

But I’m still interested, because his value extends beyond the mound.

King understands pitch design, spin rates, movement profiles, and arsenal development. Bringing that knowledge into New York’s pitching lab could benefit McLean, Tong, and the entire organization.

You’re not just acquiring King. You’re bringing his knowledge into your organization to study, develop, and replicate.

FanGraphs projects four years and $100 million. I’d prefer three, but I’d consider four at the right price.

King might not be the ace who transforms the Mets overnight.

But he can stabilize the rotation while helping its younger pitchers develop.

THE TAKEAWAY: King’s innings help you today. His knowledge could make the Mets better tomorrow.

4. TARIK SKUBAL

The Blank Check

2026: 28 GS | 158⅔ IP | 2.72 ERA | 0.96 WHIP | 186 K

2027 Projected Contract: 8 years, $336M ($42M AAV) — FanGraphs

There aren’t many owners in baseball who can afford Tarik Skubal’s asking price.

Fortunately for the Mets, Uncle Steve has one of those checkbooks.

Skubal could immediately anchor New York’s rotation while leading a promising young staff featuring Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Jonah Tong.

But here’s my question.

Does Skubal actually want to pitch in Queens?

The Mets finished last in the NL East after entering 2026 as division favorites. It’s an aging roster with plenty of holes, and even Skubal can’t fix them all.

FanGraphs projects eight years and $336 million. With a potential salary cap looming in baseball’s next labor negotiations, that’s a significant commitment.

And even if Cohen writes the check, what does it solve?

Instead of ten questions surrounding the 26-man roster, now you’ve got nine.

I’d absolutely pursue Skubal. He’s one of the few pitchers worth that kind of investment.

But New York needs to sell him on more than money.

THE TAKEAWAY: Uncle Steve can afford the ace. The bigger question is whether the Mets can build a championship roster around him.

Trade Market

5. EMERSON HANCOCK

The Odd Man Out

2026: 25 GS | 138⅔ IP | 3.57 ERA | 1.14 WHIP | 126 K | 32 BB

2027 Status: Pre-arbitration | Four years of team control

Someone has to be the odd man out in Seattle’s loaded rotation.

And maybe it’s my Georgia Bulldog bias, but Emerson Hancock is the guy I’d target.

Hancock made meaningful strides in 2026, improving his strikeout numbers while limiting walks. His lowered arm slot helped his four-seamer (.215 AVG against) and sweeper (.167 AVG against) become legitimate weapons.

But there’s still more to unlock.

His sinker allowed a .321 average, and his changeup needs refinement. I’d bring him into New York’s pitching lab and rework both pitches to complement his best offerings.

I see the potential for a dependable No. 3 starter.

And with four years of control remaining, he’s exactly the kind of arm the Mets should be targeting.

Seattle will likely want near-MLB-ready position players, and I’m comfortable building a package around mid-tier prospects.

But here’s where Uncle Steve can get creative.

What if New York included an unfavorable contract in the deal?

Getting Seattle to absorb that money wouldn’t be easy. The Mets would need to offer a significantly better prospect package, and Cohen would likely have to pay down a substantial portion of the remaining salary.

That’s going to cost New York. But getting out from under a bad contract should cost something.

With a potential salary cap on the horizon, that financial flexibility could be valuable down the road.

Seattle could move another starter instead, and there’s no guarantee they’d entertain this structure.

But I’d make the call.

THE TAKEAWAY: Hancock gives the Mets an affordable, controllable starter with room to grow. If Cohen can use his financial muscle to improve the organization’s long-term flexibility in the process, even better.

6. REID DETMERS

The Right Pitcher, Wrong Time

2026: 32 GS | 185 IP | 3.36 ERA | 1.04 WHIP | 211 K

2027 Contract: Arbitration 3 (Super Two) | $7.5M projected | Two years of control

Reid Detmers finally looked like the pitcher everyone believed he could become.

And I think his time in the bullpen deserves some credit.

After spending 2025 in relief, Detmers returned to the rotation with a different mentality.

He stopped nibbling and started attacking hitters.

But the real separator was his slider.

What was once an inconsistent offering developed into a legitimate weapon, helping him strike out 211 hitters across 185 innings.

That’s a breakout I can buy into.

I expect some regression, but I see a quality No. 2 or No. 3 starter entering his prime.

So why wouldn’t I pursue him?

Because liking the pitcher and liking the trade are two different things.

Detmers is projected to earn $7.5 million in his third arbitration year, with another year of control remaining thanks to his Super Two status.

That’s attractive, but acquiring him after a career year won’t be cheap.

And with the Mets still trying to figure out their long-term direction, I’m not surrendering premium prospects for two seasons of Detmers.

I’d explore a deal built around mid-tier talent, but I doubt that’s enough to get the Angels interested.

THE TAKEAWAY: Detmers is the right kind of pitcher. I’m just not convinced this is the right time for the Mets to acquire him.

The Big League Take

Build the Rotation. Stop Buying the Illusion.

If I’m David Stearns, Michael King and Emerson Hancock are my priorities.

Not because they’re the best pitchers available.

Because they make the most sense for where the Mets are right now.

King provides dependable innings and brings the kind of pitching knowledge that could benefit the entire organization. Hancock offers four years of control, a developing arsenal, and the potential to become a dependable No. 3 starter.

And neither requires betting the organization’s future on one player.

I’d absolutely make a serious run at Tarik Skubal. Uncle Steve can afford him, and having an established ace lead Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Jonah Tong would be exciting.

But Skubal alone doesn’t fix this roster.

The Mets need to stop treating every superstar as the missing piece.

Build around McLean. Let the young arms develop. Use Cohen’s financial flexibility to acquire controllable talent and create long-term flexibility.

This isn’t waving the white flag on 2027.

The Mets have already proven they can spend like champions.

Now it’s time to start building like them.

Own Your Take

Michael King brings stability. Emerson Hancock offers upside and control. Tarik Skubal is the blockbuster, while Reid Detmers could be a breakout arm worth pursuing.

But what about Shota Imanaga, Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Casey Mize, or Clay Holmes?

Maybe the Mets already have enough pitching talent in the organization.

If you’re David Stearns, how are you rebuilding the Mets’ rotation for 2027?

Drop your targets in the comments and own your take.