According to MLB Trade Rumors the Mets are are pursuing starting pitcher Chris Young (formerly of the San Diego Padres). The deal will in all likelihood be for one year, laden with incentives. The Mets are looking to add depth to a rotation which will not feature Johan Santana for a good chunk of the year. Right now the Mets starting rotation features R.A. Dickey, Mike Pelfrey and Jon Niese.
In the past, Chris Young has been a dominant pitcher posting an ERA under 4.00 from 2006-08. His career, however, has been marred by injuries for the last three years. Last year, Young pitched in only four games, and it is very unlikely that he will pitch more than 20 for the Mets. Taking injury into account this is still a great move for the Mets because they add another starting pitcher with limited funds that could win 10-15 games. Adding Young to the Mets is a very low-risk high-reward deal which could alleviate the stress that will be put on Dickey, Pelfrey and Niese in the 2011 season. This deal also shows that Alderson is willing to keep true to his word.
Alderson has already said this offseason that he would not make any drastic changes to the Mets roster, which will shed over 40 million dollars by losing Oliver Perez, Carlos Beltran and Luis Castillo. By not signing any large/bloated contracts this offseason, the Mets are looking to a future where this team is built through the draft and will be able to be a legitimate contender in the NL East for years to come. Mets fans might have to sacrifice this season as another average year, but the future looks bright in Flushing.
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