Mets Weighing Rotation and Bullpen Adjustments: Megill vs. Blackburn

Mets Weighing Rotation and Bullpen Adjustments: Megill vs. Blackburn

As the New York Mets prepare for the upcoming season, team officials are reportedly discussing the possibility of slotting Tylor Megill into the starting rotation while shifting newly acquired pitcher Paul Blackburn to the bullpen, according to the New York Post. This decision could significantly impact the team’s pitching structure, as both pitchers offer different strengths and potential contributions.

Tylor Megill’s Role in the Rotation

Tylor Megill has been an intriguing pitcher for the Mets ever since his debut in 2021. Despite injuries and inconsistencies, he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly when healthy and in rhythm. Standing at 6’7” and possessing a fastball that can touch the high 90s, Megill has the physical tools to be an effective starter.

However, his biggest challenges have been maintaining consistency and avoiding extended struggles with control and command. His ERA has fluctuated in past seasons, and while his strikeout potential is evident, he has also been prone to giving up hard contact.

The Mets’ decision to consider Megill for the rotation likely stems from a few key factors:

1. Familiarity with the Role – Megill has been used primarily as a starter throughout his major league tenure. His ability to handle the workload of a rotation spot is proven, even if durability remains a question.
2. Injury Concerns Elsewhere – The Mets have had concerns about the health of their rotation, with Kodai Senga dealing with issues early in the spring. This opens the door for a reliable, in-house option like Megill.
3. Potential Upside – When Megill is on, he has the ability to dominate lineups with his fastball-slider combination. If he can improve his secondary pitches, he could be a mid-rotation arm for the team.

While giving Megill a rotation spot seems logical, it’s not without risks. His struggles with consistency and injury history could make him a volatile option in a starting role.

Paul Blackburn’s Move to the Bullpen

On the other hand, Paul Blackburn has spent most of his career as a starter but is now being considered for a bullpen role. This would be an adjustment for him, but it may actually work out well for both him and the team.

Blackburn, an All-Star in 2022 with the Oakland Athletics, has been a solid yet unspectacular rotation piece. His repertoire is not overpowering—he relies on command, movement, and inducing weak contact rather than blowing hitters away with velocity.

Here’s why a bullpen move could be beneficial:

1. Increased Effectiveness in Shorter Stints – Blackburn has shown fatigue issues in longer starts, where his velocity tends to drop after 4-5 innings. In a bullpen role, he can focus on maximizing his stuff over shorter outings.
2. Strengthening the Mets’ Relief Corps – The Mets’ bullpen has been an area of concern, especially with Edwin Díaz coming back from injury and other key arms needing to prove their reliability. Adding Blackburn as a long reliever or middle-inning option could help provide stability.
3. Emergency Starter Depth – By keeping Blackburn in the bullpen, the Mets still have a veteran who can step into the rotation if needed due to injuries or underperformance.

However, there are concerns with this move as well. Blackburn has never been a full-time reliever, so adjusting to that role might take time. Additionally, he’s most effective when pitching to contact, which might not be ideal for high-leverage relief situations.

How This Decision Impacts the Mets’ Season

The decision to start Megill and move Blackburn to the bullpen will have a ripple effect on the rest of the pitching staff. The Mets are still trying to determine their best five-man rotation and optimize their bullpen for different in-game scenarios.

1. Rotation Depth and Stability – If Megill secures a rotation spot and performs well, it gives the Mets a reliable starter who can eat innings. However, if he struggles, the team may need to reconsider his role or look externally for reinforcements.
2. Bullpen Strength and Role Clarity – If Blackburn adjusts well to relief work, it could give the Mets another dependable arm for middle innings. However, if he struggles in the new role, it could put added pressure on other relievers.
3. Potential for Midseason Adjustments – This move may not be permanent. If Megill falters, Blackburn could shift back to the rotation. Similarly, if injuries arise, both pitchers may find themselves in different roles throughout the season.

The Bigger Picture for the Mets’ 2024 Season

Beyond just these two pitchers, the Mets’ handling of their rotation and bullpen will be a major storyline in 2024. After missing the playoffs last season, the team has made several changes in an attempt to return to contention.

Under new leadership with David Stearns as President of Baseball Operations and Carlos Mendoza as manager, the Mets are trying to balance development with immediate competitiveness. The decision to start Megill and move Blackburn to the bullpen reflects a broader strategy of flexibility—seeing what works early in the season and making adjustments as necessary.

Additionally, this situation highlights the Mets’ overall pitching concerns. While the team has promising arms, durability, depth, and consistency remain issues. The rotation still relies heavily on veterans like José Quintana and the uncertain health of Senga. The bullpen, despite having Díaz as its anchor, needs reliable middle relievers who can bridge the gap to the late innings.

If Megill seizes his opportunity and establishes himself as a legitimate rotation piece, it could be a huge win for the Mets. Similarly, if Blackburn thrives in a bullpen role, it strengthens a unit that has been a weak spot in recent years.

Final Thoughts

The Mets’ decision to consider Tylor Megill for the rotation while shifting Paul Blackburn to the bullpen is an intriguing one with both potential benefits and risks. Megill has the upside to be a solid starter but must prove he can stay consistent. Blackburn, meanwhile, could help stabilize the bullpen but will need to adjust to a different role.

As the season progresses, the effectiveness of this move will be tested. If both pitchers succeed in their respective roles, it could go a long way in helping the Mets stay competitive. However, if either struggles, it may force the front office to rethink their pitching strategy.

Ultimately, this is just one of many important decisions the Mets will have to make as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season. Whether this particular move pays off remains to be seen, but it will certainly be a storyline to watch as Opening Day approaches.