The New York Mets spent the offseason reloading a team that came within two wins of the World Series in 2024. Juan Soto changed into the biggest signing—not just of the offseason, in Mets history—but the team also retooled its starting rotation.

It’s no longer even March, and the team has already experienced setbacks. Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea are both expected to overlook Opening Day; however, fortunate for Mets fans, the front office isn’t worried about long-term. They count on Manaea back by the end of April and Montas later in the first half of the season, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. As a result, the franchise no longer plans to pursue extra rotation assistance from outside the organization.

The Mets determined to close down Manaea on Monday with a right oblique strain, which needs to set him back approximately two weeks. Assuming he heals on schedule, he will already be on the road returning to the Majors by Opening Day. As for Montas, he is dealing with a lat strain that will sideline him for approximately 2 months. Barring setbacks that might place him on the right track for an overdue May or early June return.

Manaea and Montas are due to make around $37 million combined in 2025, with both signed for next year as well, so expect the Mets to be careful and exercise patience with both.

New York Mets have depth and question marks in their rotation

On paper, the Mets can take in the blow of dropping two starters for the beginning of the season. Kodai Senga is anticipated to be geared up to pitch a complete, healthy season, with Clay Holmes and David Peterson arising at the back of him.

Senga became fantastic in 2023, his first season in the Majors. In 166.1 innings, he struck out 202 batters and pitched to a 2.98 ERA. But 2024 turned into a lost year. He started out in the IL and lasted simply one start in July before a calf strain ended his season.

Holmes also has capability. The two-time All-Star had stretches of brilliance for the crosstown New York Yankees over the last four years, but bouts of wildness and inconsistency cost him his closer role in 2024. Now, the Mets expect him to be a starting pitcher for the first time when you consider his 2018 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. As for Peterson, he became brilliant over 21 starts (10-3, 2.90 ERA), but had a 5.03 ERA the season before. Since breaking into the Majors in 2020, he has yet to submit consecutive strong seasons.

With pitchers like Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning, Tylor Megill, and Justin Hagenman also on the 40-man roster, the Mets can piece things together to begin the year. But it is not likely everything will break precisely properly, making Montas’ and Manaea’s recoveries important to the team’s hopes of returning to the NLCS.