Heading into the 2025 season, the Mets’ starting rotation has already seen some shake-ups due to injuries, but there’s still plenty of talent on the mound. With Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas sidelined to start the year, the team has turned to a mix of established arms and some intriguing new faces to hold things down. Clay Holmes, a former Yankees closer, is making the jump to a starting role and will get the Opening Day nod, while Kodai Senga looks to build on his impressive rookie campaign once he returns from a minor shoulder issue. David Peterson and Tylor Megill, two familiar homegrown arms, will play key roles, and newcomer Griffin Canning has earned a spot after an impressive spring. The rotation has some question marks, but if everyone stays healthy, it has the potential to be a solid group. Let’s take a closer look at each pitcher and what they bring to the table.

1. Clay Holmes (RHP) – Opening Day Starter

• 2024 Performance: Primarily a dominant reliever for the Yankees, posting a 2.86 ERA with 24 saves.
• Strengths: Sinker-heavy pitcher with elite ground ball rates. Known for his ability to induce weak contact and limit home runs.
• 2025 Outlook: Holmes is making a transition from bullpen to starting rotation, similar to how Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Sale successfully did in the past. The Mets are betting on his durability and ability to handle multiple innings. Spring Training performances have shown solid stamina and control over a mix of sinker, slider, and four-seam fastball.

2. Kodai Senga (RHP)

• 2024 Performance: 12-8 record, 3.34 ERA, 185 strikeouts in 165 innings. Earned an All-Star selection.
• Strengths: Nasty “ghost fork” splitter, which made him one of the most difficult pitchers to square up in 2024. He complements that with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball.
• 2025 Outlook: Expected to lead the rotation once healthy. He’s currently recovering from minor shoulder fatigue, but the Mets anticipate a return in April. If he stays healthy, he could emerge as a Cy Young candidate.

3. David Peterson (LHP)

• Strengths: Tunneling mechanics make his fastball and slider difficult to distinguish. Can induce strikeouts and ground balls when commanding his pitches effectively.
• 2025 Outlook: A dependable middle-of-the-rotation starter. Peterson had hip surgery in late 2024 but recovered in time for Spring Training. His durability and ability to eat innings will be key for the Mets, especially in the first half of the season.

4. Griffin Canning (RHP)

• 2024 Performance: 10-11 record, 4.32 ERA, 153 strikeouts in 165 innings.
• Strengths: Solid mix of fastball, slider, and changeup, which generates strikeouts. Has shown flashes of being a No. 2 or No. 3 starter when healthy.
• 2025 Outlook: Canning impressed during Spring Training, earning a starting spot. He’s expected to provide stability in the middle-to-lower part of the rotation. The Mets are hoping he can maintain durability after dealing with injuries earlier in his career.

5. Tylor Megill (RHP)

• 2024 Performance: 8-10 record, 4.89 ERA, 120 strikeouts in 135 innings.
• Strengths: Fastball-heavy approach with a solid changeup. When he’s on, he can dominate with a high-velocity fastball.
• 2025 Outlook: With Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas injured, Megill secured a rotation spot. The Mets need him to cut down on walks and show better command to be a reliable back-end starter.

Missing Due to Injuries:

• Sean Manaea (LHP) – Signed in the offseason but is dealing with shoulder inflammation. Expected return: May 2025.
• Frankie Montas (RHP) – Suffered a forearm strain and will be out until at least June 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Mets’ rotation is built on high upside but has durability concerns. If Senga stays healthy and Holmes successfully transitions to a starter role, they could have a solid staff. However, depth will be tested early with Manaea and Montas sidelined.

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