With just 2 appearances in the playoffs this century, the New York Mets have not exactly been talked about as World Series contenders too often. However, there is a lot of buzz surrounding this franchise as they get ready for 2015. Even though they recently found out Zach Wheeler is going to miss the entire season due to arm injury, they are optimistic they can get into the playoffs. Once there, they obviously have an opportunity to win their 5th ever National League pennant.
The only way New York is going to challenge Washington and all the other talented teams in the National League is if they get solid pitching from their young pitching staff. They certainly have the talent to do so, as Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Jonathon Niese are all being selected fairly high in fantasy baseball 2015. Harvey is really the key, as he needs to show that he can fully return from an arm injury of his own.
In the everyday lineup, David Wright will once again be the anchor. He is now one of the elder statesmen on the team, and he will be trying to lead by example. The only major free agent signing was Michael Cuddyer, and the veteran should help in the lineup and in the clubhouse. He is a high-character guy with a few solid seasons left in him.
The odds might not be in their favor, but the New York Mets are definitely going to be better in 2015 compared to recent history. They need to get a little bit lucky with injuries, but for the most part they feel optimistic about it all. Don’t be surprised to see them in the playoff discussion the entire year.
