The Mets’ next deal after Jesse Winker has never been more obvious

The New York Mets have successfully chased the Atlanta Braves in the NL Wild Card race. Their season has been a complete rollercoaster ride and the current series of games is certainly one of the highlights of the year so far.

Given their strong run over the past few weeks, the Mets are active buyers ahead of the deadline. They’ve already gone out and acquired a potential impact outfielder from the Nationals, Jesse Winker.

Winker is having a career-high season, hitting .257/.374/.419 with 11 home runs and 14 stolen bases. Winker is particularly good against righties, hitting .266/.390/.450 in those matchups this season.

With the hole in their outfield filled by a left-handed pitcher who crushes right-handed pitchers, the Mets have a big hole to fill after a serious injury a few days ago.

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In one of the most heartbreaking stories of the entire 2024 season, Kodai Senga made a triumphant return from injury in late July, but lasted just one start before injuring his calf. The Mets announced shortly after the injury that Senga is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.

It’s truly heartbreaking to see such a talented pitcher work for months to make his comeback, only to have his season cut short in his very first game back. But professional baseball is a business. The Mets can’t afford to sit around moping over injuries to their starters, especially with just days to go before the 2024 trade deadline.

Their next move is pretty clear. They need to get a starting pitcher to fill the void this injury has created.

There are quite a few starting pitching options the Mets could pursue. Perhaps the most intriguing option is Chicago Cubs starter Jameson Taillon.

Taillon, 32, is due $18 million in 2025 and $18 million in 2026. The Cubs would likely eat some of his contract to help their prospect. The righty has an impressive 2.96 ERA and 1.9 WAR. He has looked like a borderline ace more often than not this season. He has been a very reliable starter over the course of his career.

The Mets need a starting player and there are plenty of options, both controllable and rental.