Jason Burgos
A new ranking of MLB’s pitching staffs from a top insider has the New York Yankees well above the New York Mets despite several key pitchers expected to miss notable time to begin the new season.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Yankees and Mets heading into the start of the new MLB season this week. Expectations are always high in the Bronx, and despite being ousted in the Divisional Round in October and not making notable changes to the roster, many experts believe they still have a team that can reach the World Series.
The Mets, on the other hand, had a disastrous collapse late in the season that cost them a chance to be in the playoffs. That frustrating finish, unsurprisingly, led to an overhaul of the coaching staff and the roster for 2026. One of the big additions this offseason was Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.
On paper, it seems like the Mets’ starting rotation is in a better position to begin the 2026 season, compared to the Yankees. Mainly because they are healthy. The Yanks will begin the campaign with one-time Cy Young winner, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmitt all on the injured list and expected to miss the first few weeks or months of the season.
Bowden ranks the NY Yankees’ rotation as third best in MLB
However, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden doesn’t see it that way. On Tuesday, the outlet released the MLB insider rankings of all 30 rotations, and the Mets landed in the top 10, but all the way down at No. 9. The former general manager is, of course, high on rookie Nolan McLean and was complimentary of their depth. However, he had far more praise for the Yankees.
“Despite those injuries, the Yankees still have a strong rotation to start the year, led by their ace Max Fried and followed by the up-and-coming Cam Schittler, right-hander Will Warren, newly acquired southpaw Ryan Weathers, and former AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil,” said about the rotation he ranked No. 3 on his list.
“By season’s end, they could have the best rotation in baseball, especially if Cole can return to his Cy Young Award-caliber form.”
The Mets have Peralta, Rookie of the Year favorite Nolan McLean, and a pair of one-time All-Stars in Dave Peterson and Kodai Senga in the rotation. But Bowden still believes more in the likes of Will Warren, Cam Schittler, Luis Girl, and Ryan Weathers.
