The Mets were hit with a double dose of injury news on Monday, as Nick Madrigal’s imaging revealed a fractured shoulder that will keep him out “a long time,” and Sean Manaea has an oblique strain that will likely land him on the IL to begin the season.
New York has maintained that it won’t look for external options to address the injuries to its starting rotation, which also includes Frankie Montas, but Keith McPherson says the injuries to both Manaea and Madrigal could be addressed by bringing back two former contributors from last year’s group.
“Why wouldn’t you just go ahead and punch it and bring back Jose Iglesias?” Keith said. “You’re supposed to be people pleasers!
“They don’t think they can recreate last year. They’re not trying to. It’s a different year.”
Iglesias had his best season since his lone All-Star campaign with the Tigers, but is not reportedly looking for a multi-year deal, leading David Stearns to tell reporters earlier this month that the ship has likely sailed on an Iglesias reunion, even if he became a fan favorite in 2024. Keith believes the Madrigal injury is a path for New York to go back and see if Iglesias would return on a short-term deal.
“I still think it opens the door,” Keith said. “Come on Scott Boras. Fold, take the one-year deal. Jose Iglesias is 35.”
As for the starting rotation, Keith believes Quintana would solve the team’s sudden depth concerns in the rotation, especially when the veteran lefty has reportedly turned down other offers, potentially waiting for the chance to return to Queens.
“You can’t have enough pitching. Juan Soto can’t pitch,” Keith said. “I don’t see why they wouldn’t. If you’re over the luxury tax and you have these injuries, it would light up your fanbase.”