Ranking the NL East: Starting Pitchers

Aug 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher

(48) and starting pitcher Jonathon Niese (49) and starting pitcher

(33) and starting pitcher

(35) sit in the dugout during the eighth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. New York Mets

Much like the Marlins, the success of the Mets’ rotation in 2015 will rest largely on Matt Harvey, who is also set to return from Tommy John Surgery next season. Unlike Fernandez, however, Harvey should be ready to go by Opening Day, which should provide a huge boost for the Mets’ rotation.

Before the surgery, Harvey was unstoppable. The young right-hander went 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA in 26 starts with the Mets during his All-Star 2013 campaign. Given the overwhelming success of Tommy John surgery in recent years, Harvey should come back strong and ready to lead the Mets rotation in 2015 as New York tries to get back into contention.

After Harvey will be Bartolo Colon, Jon Niese, Zack Wheeler and Jake deGrom. While none of those names are quite as exciting as Harvey, the Mets’ rotation still boasts plenty of talent.

Despite being into his 40s, Colon has still managed to win 33 games over his last two seasons, going 15-13 with a 4.09 ERA in 2014. Niese is another solid veteran option in the Mets’ rotation. The left-hander tied a career-low in ERA last season (3.40), despite going 9-11 on the year.

Like Harvey, Wheeler is another exciting young pitcher that should continue to improve in 2015. Wheeler went 11-11 with a 3.54 ERA in his second big league season in 2014. deGrom saw great success in his first big league season in 2014, going 9-6 with a 2.69 ERA in 22 starts.

Needless to say, the Mets have a loaded rotation. And if Harvey returns to his pre-surgery dominance, there’s no reason to believe the Mets’ rotation won’t be one of the best in baseball.

Next: Number One?