As the New York Mets closed out their final homestand of the season, young left-handed pitcher Zac Thornton offered a candid appraisal of the emerging core of starting pitchers within the organization. Thornton, who made 15 starts in his rookie campaign with a 3.42 ERA, highlighted the collective progress and potential of the group while acknowledging the competitive nature of securing a rotation spot moving forward.
Thornton’s evaluation places right-hander Nolan McLean at the forefront. McLean, a contender for National League Rookie of the Year, posted a 3.16 ERA over 31 starts, striking out 194 batters across 179 2/3 innings. Thornton praised McLean’s elite pitching arsenal, noting the right-hander’s dominance especially in the second half of the season when McLean lowered his ERA to 2.61. “He’s got some of the best stuff in baseball,” Thornton said, emphasizing McLean’s improved command and consistency.
Christian Scott and Thornton himself rank just behind McLean in the Mets’ starting rotation depth chart. Scott, 27, returned to major league competition following Tommy John surgery, contributing a 3.85 ERA across 23 starts. Thornton acknowledged the challenges Scott faced during his rehabilitation and commended his return to form and sustained ability to compete at the highest level.
Rookie Jonah Tong, who made his major league debut late in the season, stood out as a promising prospect despite limited exposure. Tong posted a 3.92 ERA in four starts after a strong finish at Triple-A Syracuse. Thornton praised Tong’s maturity and resilience, noting his ability to handle setbacks during the season and maintain his composure.
In addition to these homegrown talents, the Mets’ rotation features veteran left-hander Sean Manaea and Kodiad Senga, who spent a significant portion of the year pitching out of the bullpen. Looking ahead, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated the team will seek to bolster its starting pitching staff during the offseason. The top target appears to be Tarik Skubal, a 29-year-old left-hander and recent two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, whose potential contract could become one of the largest ever for a free agent pitcher.
Thornton expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of Skubal joining the Mets, noting that McLean had previously communicated with Skubal during the World Baseball Classic. “It would be awesome to bounce ideas, especially coming from another left-handed pitcher,” Thornton said. He emphasized the rarity and value of left-handed pitchers within the team’s staff, underscoring his anticipation of competing alongside a fellow dominant southpaw.
Despite his strong rookie performance, Thornton acknowledged that his spot in the starting rotation is not guaranteed heading into spring training under manager Andy Green. He embraced the competitive environment, recognizing that ongoing effort and adaptation are required to maintain his position. “You look at this whole landscape of baseball, and I think there’s always somebody coming for your job, coming from below,” Thornton said. “It’s a complete do-eat-dog world. I think all of us realize that, and all of us are going to put in the work.”
Thornton described himself as a fiercely competitive pitcher who focuses on challenging every hitter he faces, regardless of status. As the Mets prepare for offseason adjustments, he and his fellow young arms appear poised to form a foundational element of the team’s pitching staff moving forward.