Earlier this offseason, Sandy Alderson mentioned that the Mets would be looking to acquire arms for the bullpen and the starting rotation. Not necessarily big names, but more likely bargain-bin pitchers who could compete for spots and provide depth. Alderson acknowledged that an MLB staff needs about seven or so starting pitchers to begin a season; five in the rotation and then at least two others who usually are either stashed in AAA or used as long men in the bullpen.

As it stands right now, the Mets have as potential starters (in no particular order):

1. Mike Pelfrey
2. Jon Niese
3. R.A. Dickey
4. Dillon Gee
5. Pat Misch
??

I guess you put Oliver Perez in there, as well as Tobi Stoner and Boof Bonser, though they wouldn’t seem to be names you want in that mix. And you could put Jenrry Mejia in the mix as well, but all signs from the new front office is that they’re going to give Mejia a full year of development in the minors. Additionally, Alderson has suggested that D.J. Carrasco could be a starter, though that doesn’t seem prudent considering Carrasco’s poor history in the role. All that said, we can assume the Mets are in the market for at least one more starter. Whether that arm comes via trade or free agency, we’ll soon see, but in the meantime let’s look at a few of the pitchers still available on the free-agent market.