The Mets continue to search for starting pitching. They were rumors to have made a bid for Garrett Richards services, before he agreed to a deal with the Boston Red Sox. The Mets could still use depth and one arm that might fit them is Mike Foltynewicz.

Yes, Folty has not been great over the last two seasons. In 2019, he pitched to a 4.54 ERA over 117 innings of work. He struck out less and walked more than his break out 2018 season, although he did allow less hits per nine, he also allowed 23 homers which was a big issue with his WHIP at 1.25.

He didn’t pitch much in 2020, as he made just one start. In that outing he went 3.1 inning allowing 6 runs and 3 homeruns also walking 4. Even if it was this bad, it’s something that shouldn’t be important. So let’s take a look at his great 2018 season.

Over 183 innings in 2018, he went 13-10 with a 2.85 ERA. He allowed just 6.4 hits per nine and pitched to a 1.08 WHIP and a 143 ERA+. Folty finished 8th in the CY Young race in that season, showing just how good he was just 2 seasons ago (if you don’t count 2020, it was just one). Main plus that season was him limiting homeruns as he allowed just 0.8 per nine (1.8 in 2019). His slider was his big pitch as he had -22 runs value (top of the league).

If Folty can refind his slider and get more groundballs, he could be a bounce back arm. Folty is still just 29 so should have enough room left in the tank. The Mets might reel him in with an incentives loaded minor league deal and an opt out in spring training. Or would he get an MLB deal? Either way would you take a change on the former Brave?

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