The New York Mets were one game away from the postseason in 2025, but that slim margin hid a glaring weakness: their starting rotation. Injuries, inconsistency, and underperformance all piled up, leaving a team built for October watching from home in early October.
Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas never found their footing, while Kodai Senga’s unexpected demotion to Triple-A underscored how bad things had gotten. Mets starters ranked near the bottom of the majors in innings pitched, and their post-All-Star-break ERA ballooned to 4.74.
At season’s end, team president David Stearns admitted the front office didn’t do enough to reinforce the rotation once injuries hit. He hinted at adding a big arm this winter but emphasized the need to develop future aces rather than buy them all.
That’s where Ron Darling, former Mets pitcher and current SNY analyst, comes in. Speaking with Mike Puma of the New York Post, Darling outlined his plan to bring stability back to Queens.
Darling’s Pitch: Bring in a Real Ace and Build Around Him
Darling didn’t mince words: the Mets need a legitimate No. 1 starter. Someone who can stop losing streaks before they start. Someone who gives the bullpen a breather and the team confidence every fifth day.
His dream target? Tarik Skubal, Detroit’s rising superstar. The 29-year-old southpaw has been a machine for the Tigers, going 31-10 with a 2.30 ERA over the past two seasons. His 13-strikeout performance in this year’s ALDS made history-and caught plenty of eyes in New York.
Skubal’s contract situation could make him a trade candidate, and Darling thinks that’s exactly the kind of bold move the Mets need. “When you have a true ace, it changes everything,”Darling said. “Guys pitch differently when they know the bullpen isn’t getting emptied by the fifth inning.” But he also believes the Mets’ current arms can’t be written off just yet.
Can the Mets’ Starters Bounce Back?
Senga and Manaea headline the comeback candidates. Before a hamstring injury derailed his season, Senga owned a dazzling 1.47 ERA through 13 starts. Manaea, after missing months with an oblique strain and elbow issues, flashed signs of his old self with a sharp July before fading late.
Darling believes both can rebound with the right support system. “They just need a reset,” he said. “Mechanics, mindset, and maybe a new voice in the room.” That “new voice” could come soon-the Mets are still hunting for a new pitching coach after parting ways with Jeremy Hefner. Darling emphasized that the next hire will be crucial in getting the staff on track.
Meanwhile, the young guns-Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, and Nolan McLean-could provide a much-needed spark. McLean, in particular, impressed with a 2.08 ERA and 10.7 strikeouts per nine in his rookie campaign.
If the Mets manage to land a top-tier arm, rejuvenate their veterans, and develop their young talent, Darling believes they can go from heartbreak to hardware in 2026.
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