A.J. Minter didn’t sound entirely sure that he’ll be ready for Opening Day. His remarks at Amazin Day gave off a vibe similar to what we saw with Dellin Betances, but the positive takeaway is that it would require several setbacks for him to become another free-agent disappointment for the New York Mets. We’re nowhere near that point yet.
While the team can do little more than let Minter continue his rehab from the injury that sidelined him for the final weeks of the 2024 season, patiently giving him time to heal, they haven’t backed off their pursuit of other left-handed relievers. Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated revisited some Mets rumors, noting that Tim Hill remains a target for the team, with several other clubs also showing interest.
Mets rumors continue to suggest the team will replace Danny Young at some point
Danny Young wasn’t a bad pitcher for the Mets last season. His 4.54 ERA by year’s end doesn’t fully reflect his value at times. He was solid in the middle months, allowing just 3 earned runs in 17.2 innings across July and August, while striking out 24 batters. However, his performance was uneven, as he struggled in June and again in September.
As a depth option, Young is a reliable arm to have. His minor league option last year allowed the Mets to move him up and down as needed. But with no remaining options heading into 2025, he could be on the roster bubble.
That said, Young is a strong candidate to stick around through most of spring training. With A.J. Minter’s health in question, Young might make the Opening Day roster, only to be replaced by Minter if the latter starts the season on the injured list.
Ideally, the Mets would have two lefty relievers. Minter is more of a true setup man, while Young and Tim Hill are better suited for earlier innings in favorable matchups against left-handed hitters. Young’s usage late last season, where he was mainly used in mop-up roles, made his return somewhat uncertain.
The Mets did something similar last spring with Phil Bickford, who had a brief and mild competition for a bullpen spot but never had a real chance to make the roster. Young’s odds are a bit better right now, but if the Mets add another lefty to the bullpen, Young could be the odd man out—unless injuries to his teammates provide him another shot.
NY Mets rumors of Max Scherzer interest hints at a different door remaining open
The surprising rumors about a potential reunion between the New York Mets and Max Scherzer hit fans like a ton of—well, bricks, feathers, or waived no-trade clauses (take your pick, they all weigh the same). Scherzer wasn’t someone we expected the Mets to target this offseason, so the very idea of signing him hints at a few things about the team’s current mindset.
First, it suggests the Mets aren’t fully satisfied with their existing rotation. With six starters deep, even if Griffin Canning isn’t included, this could spell trouble for Paul Blackburn, who is considered the weakest link among last year’s holdovers. Scherzer’s age might also indicate the Mets see value in giving him additional rest during the season.
This could be a case of “Scherzer or bust” when it comes to signing another free agent. If they don’t land him, it shows the Mets haven’t entirely ruled out pursuing other options like José Quintana, keeping the door open for further moves in the rotation.
Mets rumors of a Max Scherzer reunion might mean they could circle back to Jose Quintana, too
There aren’t many remaining free-agent starting pitchers who feel like realistic targets for the Mets. With the roster already at capacity, they would need to make a separate move to fit everyone together, as it’s unlikely Paul Blackburn and Griffin Canning will be relegated to bullpen roles this year.
José Quintana hasn’t generated much buzz this offseason. At 36, he seems more likely to land a one-year deal than a long-term commitment. Surprisingly, his 2024 season mirrored much of his career numbers. He finished with a 10-10 record and a 3.75 ERA (right in line with his career 3.74), with a modest walk rate of 3.3 per 9 innings, though his strikeouts continued to dip to 7.1 per 9. This reflects the type of pitcher Quintana has been for most of his career.
Quintana could be an ideal candidate to thrive with extra rest between starts. He was at his best last season with an extra day, posting a 6-3 record and a 2.96 ERA in 14 appearances. On the standard four days of rest, he was just 2-4 with a 5.29 ERA in 9 starts.
His 2024 season was a mix of ups and downs. There were stretches when he struggled (in May and August), some decent periods (March/April and June), and then two dominant runs (July and September). He finished the season strong, allowing only 2 earned runs in his final 25 regular-season innings, and was reliable in the postseason during the first two rounds.
Knowing when to part ways with a player is a crucial skill for any sports executive—something NFL legend Bill Belichick mastered with the New England Patriots. It seemed like the Mets had moved on from Quintana, but with just one lefty in the rotation and potential interest in Scherzer, could a surprise Quintana reunion be in the cards?
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