The New York Mets celebrated their home opener at Citi Field, showcasing a united front despite injuries impacting their roster. Key players like Francisco Alvarez, Jeff McNeil, and Paul Blackburn were present, with Alvarez showing progress post-surgery as he caught a bullpen session. Meanwhile, McNeil works his way back from an oblique strain and has been hitting, though his replacements, Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña, have struggled at the plate. Blackburn aims for activation soon, while pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas continue their recovery.

As we look forward to the 2025 fantasy baseball season, it's crucial to identify pitchers to avoid during drafts. Five names stand out: Jesus Luzardo, Frankie Montas, Brady Singer, Triston McKenzie, and Kyle Hendricks. Each has shown inconsistent performance and concerning trends that suggest they may not meet the expectations of fantasy owners.

Jesus Luzardo, now with the Philadelphia Phillies, had a tough 2024, managing just a 5.00 ERA. His drop in strikeout rate raises red flags, making him a risky pick. Frankie Montas, currently with the New York Mets, is facing injury setbacks and has struggled with inconsistency, casting doubt on his reliability. Brady Singer's move to Cincinnati's hitter-friendly park could exacerbate his issues. In Cleveland, Triston McKenzie has not returned to form after injuries, and veteran Kyle Hendricks from the Los Angeles Angels has shown significant decline, making them all potential pitfalls in your drafts.

The New York Mets face a challenge as both Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea will start the season on the injured list, but they are optimistic about their starting pitching depth. Currently, their rotation features Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Paul Blackburn, and Griffin Canning, with Tylor Megill in contention for the sixth spot. Notably, Brandon Waddell, returning from a stint in the Korean Baseball Organization, is making his Grapefruit League debut against the Houston Astros.

Waddell's transition involves adapting to the North American game, which presents unique challenges compared to what he experienced in Asia, where the strike zone and ball dynamics differ greatly. In his debut, Waddell allowed two unearned runs, but his ability to throw strikes remains a positive aspect. The Mets plan to assess their pitchers over the next month, as injuries could prompt a need to look for additional depth.

The New York Mets face significant health challenges in their starting rotation as Opening Day approaches, with Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea both set to miss the season opener due to injuries. Montas is sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks with a high-grade lat strain, while Manaea's status is uncertain due to a right oblique injury. This leaves the Mets relying heavily on Kodai Senga, who is attempting to recover from an injury-plagued 2024 season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza announced plans to keep Senga in a controlled environment during spring training, limiting his participation in Grapefruit League games initially. Senga, who made just one start last season, is expected to regain form and lead a rotation that could also include Clay Holmes and David Peterson. Holmes, after years as a reliever, is transitioning back to a starting role, while Peterson's performance last season has raised questions about his consistency. The Mets aim to implement a six-man rotation to manage their pitchers effectively as they navigate these early-season challenges.

As the New York Mets enter spring training, team owner Steve Cohen exudes optimism despite concerns surrounding the pitching staff. The team recently welcomed superstar Juan Soto, further lifting spirits. However, with Sean Manaea sidelined due to injury and Frankie Montas also out, questions about the Mets' rotation persist. Cohen insists that their pitching will exceed expectations, reflecting on last season's struggles where pitching faltered in the NLCS against the Dodgers. Instead of targeting top-tier arms, the Mets opted for depth with players like Manaea and Montas, aiming to improve player performance through development.

With the current rotation including Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga, the team is considering a six-man rotation, a strategy that could benefit Senga's recovery from injuries. Cohen and GM David Stearns are confident in the development team but acknowledge the pressing need for improvement. The Mets seem poised for another competitive season but must address their pitching woes to match their championship aspirations.