Um, what?
A day after signing Michael Wacha, the Mets have signed Rick Porcello. So, I would just like to know what the hell is going on!?
It sure looked yesterday that Michael Wacha would be the fifth starter for the Mets headed into the 2020 season. Sure, Brodie Van Wagenen did allude to Wacha being a depth signing, but I definitely didn’t take that at face value.
We’ll unpack this and try to figure it all out, but for now, Rick Porcello has signed a one year deal worth 10 million dollars to pitch in Queens.
Yikes. And you thought Michael Wacha had a bad 2019? Porcello easily turned in the worst year of his career. Over 174 innings, Porcello pitched to a 5.52 ERA, striking out just 143 hitters.
Porcello is only three years removed from winning the 2016 American League Cy Young Award. The right hander is 30 years of age, and reportedly was seeking a one year deal this off-season to re-establish some value.
Porcello is durable. He’s qualified for 11 straight ERA titles. (Pitching at least 162 innings in a season.)
I’m genuinely confused.
If Wacha is actually a depth signing, that is a very bizarre use of resources. They are still talking about trading Familia or Lowrie for some quick cash. It’s clear that the Mets are treating the Luxury Tax threshold like an electric fence. 3 million to Michael Wacha who wouldn’t have a defined role?
In Porcello, Wacha, Marisnick and Brach, the Mets have spent about $17 million guaranteed for next season.
Is Wacha our answer in the bullpen? There are a few things that Michael Wacha is NOT. First and foremost, he is NOT Dellin Betances.
I do like that this move would keep Seth Lugo in the bullpen. Seemingly.
Here’s what scares me.
What do you have up your sleeve Brodie. Are Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha our fourth and fifth starters? Are you about to ship Syndergaard or Matz?
I’m totally down to hope for the best in 2020, content that Uncle Stevie is ready to help down the line.
I’m really not comfortable with Brodie getting “creative.” That’s my two cents. Which is actually how much the Mets have left to spend.
Well, all we can do is sit and wait. As of now, the story is Rick Porcello. One year. 10 million dollars.