RE-PETE AFTER ME
LED BY ALONSO AND DEGROM, THE METS HAVE A STACKED LINEUP AND THE STRONG ARMS TO MAKE A RUN AT THEIR FIRST NL EAST CROWN IN FIVE YEARS
REWIND to early March, when life still seemed mostly normal and the countdown was underway to the Mets opening the 2020 season.
At the time, the Mets didn’t resemble a team that was an obvious favorite in the NL East, but likewise it was hard to say they shouldn’t compete for first place. The lineup and rotation looked solid, with legitimate questions that needed to be answered about the bullpen.
A three-month shutdown of the sport due to the coronavirus outbreak — with a labor dispute adding to the layoff — has left us with a 60-game sprint to determine playoff teams.
The biggest winner might be a projected basement dweller such as the Marlins, given the fickle nature of the sport. Over 60 games, even the worst teams have an opportunity to play at a respectable level and keep the season interesting.
Likewise, the best teams — with last year’s World Series-winning Nationals, who started at 19-31 as a prime example — can suffer from a shortened road.
The Mets, Nationals, Braves and Phillies all appear close in talent.
A case for the Mets winning it would be the dynamic talents of Jacob deGrom and Pete Alonso, in particular. A case against the Mets winning it would a bullpen that buried them before the All-Star break last year, dampening a second-half run that got the team to86wins.
Are these the second-half Mets from last year or the team that rolled over for the first three months? The Mets either have the pieces or they don’t, but given the circumstances it should be a season to remember (for however long it lasts).
PLAYING THE FIELD
1B Pete Alonso arrived to spring training in February with a goal of winning a Gold Glove, which would silence the critics of his defense. Though he is below-average defensively according to most metrics, Alonso was hardly an embarrassment at the position last year. And, honestly, after his 53-homer outburst last season, the Mets aren’t going to focus too much on his defense. The question is what will Alonso do for an encore at the plate? If Alonso needs a day off, Dominic Smith can slot in nicely.
2B Robinson Cano was a huge disappointment in the first half of last season, but he rebounded after the All-Star break to at least subdue talk that he might be finished. Cano is 37 years old and remains under contract for another three years after this season, so the Mets will keep giving him opportunities to show he can contribute. But if Cano remains in the No. 3 hole in the lineup, he needs to produce, or risk being dropped in the order. SS After a sluggish first half, Amed Rosario posted a .319/.351/.453 slash line following the All-Star break last year. The Mets still aren’t quite sure what they have in the 24-year-old Rosario, whose performances have fluctuated through 2 ½ seasons in the big leagues. Rosario also slumped defensively early last season, but through work with infield coach Gary DiSarcina showed improvement. Rosario thrived hitting first last season, but could also hit down in the order, possibly even ninth, to give theMetsa second
leadoff hitter of sorts after the first time through the order. Andres Gimenez struggled offensively last season at Double-A Binghamton, but has a polished glove.
3B Jeff McNeil’s energy and penchant for jumping on the first pitch has helped him emerge as one of the Mets’ most popular players. If the Mets didn’t know what they had before last season in McNeil, they now know. McNeil had NL batting title aspirations into August before a stint on the injured list helped subdue him. Even so, he finished with a .318/.384/.531 slash line with 23 homers and 75 RBIs. He spent much of last season in the outfield, but will likely shuffle between third and second base this year.
LF J.D. Davis had a breakout season after arriving in what seemed like a trade of little consequence with the Astros the previous winter. Injuries to Jed Lowrie and Todd Frazier helped Davis open the season on the major league roster and he seized the opportunity. Overall, he hit .307/.369/.527 with 22 homers and
57 RBIs, settling in as the left fielder. This spring he resumed working out at third base, giving the Mets
another
option at that position. The biggest questions are about his defense.
Brandon Nimmo spent most of last CF season recovering from a bulging disk in his neck. Upon returning in September he brought energy to the lineup and his usual pitch selectivity at the plate. Defensively he is adequate in center, but ideally he would be playing a corner outfield spot. To help address the defense, the Mets acquired Jake
Marisnick in a trade with the Astros.
Michael Conforto’s streakiness is RF hard to ignore, but so is the fact he’s averaged close to 30 homers over the last three seasons. Conforto last year finished with career highs in homers (33) and RBIs (92), giving the Mets their biggest lefthanded power presence. If Conforto wants to prove he’s worthy of a contract extension, this would be the season to emerge. As it stands, Conforto is set to hit free agency after the 2021 season. Wilson Ramos’ handling of the C pitchers came under scrutiny last season. Ramos has recommitted himself to connecting with his pitchers, as team officials consider whether to pick up his 2021 option. Offensively, Ramos began driving the ball in the second half after taking a contact approach earlier. Tomas Nido and Rene Rivera are backup options. DH Yoenis Cespedes hasn’t taken an at-bat for the Mets in two years, but the team is now hoping he can bring a presence to the DH role that will exist in the National League for at least this season. The question will be whether Cespedes’ legs will hold up, even with the limited grind. But if he’s healthy, the idea of Cespedes and Alonso in the same lineup is exciting for the Mets. There are no shortage of DH options, as Cano, Davis, Ramos and Smith could all take at-bats in the role.
Jacob deGrom will be on a mission to SP win his third straight Cy Young Award, but the challenge will be difficult in a shortened season in which the pack of contenders could be thick. Marcus Stroman can become a free agent and will be pitching for a new contract. Steven Matz,
Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha will provide an experienced back end to the rotation, but the Mets could be in trouble if there is an injury. As it stands, the rotation depth includes Walker Lockett, Corey
Oswalt and untested David Peterson.
Seth Lugo was the team’s best reliever RP last season and will again be counted upon in high-leverage spots, likely for
multiple innings when needed. EdwinDiaz
and Jeurys Familia were huge disappointments, and the overall strength of the bullpen depends on both rebounding.
Dellin Betances is the wild card, as he returns from a torn Achilles. If the former All-Star is right, it wouldn’t be difficult to envision him in the closer’s
role. Justin Wilson was extremely effective last season and is the team’s
best lefty reliever. Robert
Gsellman was largely a disappointment last season before sustaining a lat injury. The expanded rosters to begin the season will give the Mets plenty of veteran options off the bench. Melky Cabrera, Matt Adams and Eduardo Nunez are among the players who could contribute, with it unclear where Jed Lowrie might fit if he can get healthy. Smith is probably the Mets’ best pinch-hitting option, but his opportunities in that role will be limited given the removal of the pitchers’ spot in the batting order.