New York Mets Express Interest in Doug Fister
The New York Mets' pitching depth was supposed to be one of their biggest strengths this season. But with Seth Lugo and Steven Matz sidelined due to injuries, the team is suddenly in a bind.
Of course, the Mets still have a lot of rotational depth on their roster with Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Robert Gsellman, Matt Harvey, and Zack Wheeler. However, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has admitted that they may have to add another pitcher to the bullpen in case somebody else gets sidelined.
According to FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman, the Mets have looked at Doug Fister, but the veteran right-hander is reportedly holding out for a major league deal.
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The team could really use a pitcher like Fister right now, and he should step into Wheeler's slot until Lugo or Matz returns. Wheeler's finally back after missing time due to injuries in the past two seasons, but he struggled in his first start. He's also going to have an innings limit this season.
Furthermore, Syndergaard's blistered middle finger is still bothering him and Harvey is coming back from a serious shoulder injury, so an experienced pitcher like Fister will be a welcome addition. However, his wish to secure a major league deal may be the main sticking point in a potential deal.
"Signing Fister to a Major League deal, though, would require the Mets to open a 40-man roster spot right now despite the fact that Fister wouldn't be ready to step onto a big league mound for awhile. That could be accomplished by transferring one of their injured players to the 60-day DL — David Wright, Matz or Lugo are all on the 10-day DL at present — but the team may not want to close off the possibility of any of those names returning sooner than that," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors said in his report.
Right now, the Mets will probably look for a pitcher they can stash in the minors.
