Mets Address Starting Pitching Crisis After Griffin Canning Achilles Injury

The New York Mets are facing a critical challenge with their starting pitching depth after Griffin Canning suffered a season-ending Achilles rupture, compounding injuries to other key pitchers like Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea. With limited internal options and young pitching prospects struggling to step up, the Mets are expected to be active in the trade market before the July 31 deadline to shore up their rotation. Potential trade targets include Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who offers consistency on an affordable expiring contract, and Zac Gallen, a pitcher with high upside despite recent struggles. Additionally, the Mets are in urgent need of a reliable left-handed reliever following injuries to A.J. Minter and struggles from others, with Caleb Ferguson from the Pittsburgh Pirates emerging as a possible candidate. The team's pitching woes have contributed to a significant decline in their standings, eroding a 5.5-game division lead and tightening the Wild Card race, making timely acquisitions essential to salvage their playoff hopes. Overall, while the Mets’ offense shows little immediate fix, addressing the pitching staff through trades is seen as their best path forward.