Jacob deGrom's pitching problem identified, addressed, hopefully fixed

On theathletic.com, Tim Britton wrote that this season "the Mets’ perceived strength has been their biggest weakness."

He's talking about their starting pitching.

The article focuses on Jacob deGrom's last start against the Braves, "his first non-quality start in nearly a year," according to Britton.

Last year, Mets ace Jacob deGrom won the Cy Young Award, finishing the season with a 1.70 ERA. This season, after four starts, his ERA is 3.68 and, in his last start against the Braves, in just five innings he threw 114 pitches: Only 62.2% were strikes.

Mets News Worth Reading — and More

Updated 7:39 p.m.

• Mets.com writer Anthony DiComo answers fans' question in "Inbox: How will Mets counter Harper deal?"
• On MetsMerizedOnline.com, Michael Mayer reports that Mets ace Jacob "deGrom Twirls Three Scoreless in Second Spring Start."
• New York Post's Mike Puma says "Jacob deGrom approval may help Devin Mesoraco stick with Mets."
• Michael Mayer of MMO shares info about and photo of one of Mets better prospects, catcher Francisco Alvarez.

Get your first look at Mets catching prospect Francisco Alvarez.

Mets gave the 17-year-old a team record $2.7 million bonus last July.

BA had him as their No. 9 prospect in the 2018 IFA class. Big raw power and a strong arm according to reports. Photo by @ed880. pic.twitter.com/H9JpdfUS10

— Michael Mayer (@mikemayerMMO) March 1, 2019

Mets sign three draftees

According to nyfuturestars.com, the Mets have signed three draft choices. Among them is their ninth choice: Jacob deGrom, a right-handed pitcher. For the past three seasons, he's played for Stetson University. In 2010 their record was 27-31. The Hatters were much better at home than away. At home, they were 22-15; away, they were 5-14.

In 2008, his freshman year, he started 28 games at third; in 2009, he started 36 games at shortstop, pitching one inning. In 2010, he switched to the mound. He started 12 of the 17 games he pitched in, winning four and losing five. His ERA was 4.48. In 83+ innings, he walked 16, struck out 5, and yielded 103 hits. Against him, opposing batters hit .309. But then, none of Stetson's pitchers was a standout. Their team ERA in 2010 was 6.70. Opposing batters hit .325.

In his last regular season game, in 9-2/3 innings deGrom surrendered one run, gave up five hits, and struck out nine. The Hatters lost in 11.

In 95 at bats, deGrom hit .263.

His pitching stats aren't that impressive. But then, before his junior season he pitched just one inning. Maybe the Mets believe that if he can't make it on the mound the team can return him to the infield.

View deGrom on YouTube.