Taking A Look at the East: New York Mets

Yesterday, I began a short and not so sweet look at the NL East, starting with the Phillies. For fans of other teams that may be visiting the blog, I perfectly realize that I'm not an expert on your franchise. Hell, I might be very wrong about some assumptions I am making. But, my win prediction - you can take that to the bank. I wouldn't call it rock solid unless it was after all.

New York Mets
Additions: Michael Cuddyer, John Mayberry Jr.
Subtractions: Eric Young Jr. (!)
Rock-Solid Win Prediction: 77-85

It was a pretty quiet offseason for the 79-win Mets, who added Cuddyer to the surprise of many. A 35 year-old who has missed significant action in 2-of-3 years since leaving the AL, Cuddyer was great as a Rockie when he played, but do we really expect him to produce in a park that isn't quiet as nice to hitters no matter how many times they bring the fences in? Well, his projections aren't exciting. Steamer is down on him (.254/.313/.414), though ZiPS has a much rosier view (.271/.325/.450). Will that be enough to help an offense that finished eighth in runs scored? Well, they started EY Jr. a lot in left field last year so probably. Wait, that hurt.

Lucas Duda had a quiet 30 homers last year to lead the Mets, who suffered down years from David Wright and Curtis Granderson. Juan Lagaris is the Mets' version of Andrelton Simmons. His defense is fantastic, but can he hit enough?

On the mound, the Mets should be young and improved, especially with the return of Matt Harvey. However, Bartolo Colon will continue to spearhead the rotation despite turning 42 in May. He had two hits in 69 trips to the plate last year with 33 K's. And that swing...oh, that swing. The pen lost Josh Edgin, but recently added Alex Torres and his helmet-hat so that's a decent trade-off. Jenrry Mejia saved 28 last year, but the pitcher I like out of their pen is Jeurys Familia. 1.18 WHIP last year and a 3.07 FIP.

I like the rotation, but not much else about this team stands out especially in the wake of Zack Wheeler's injury. The offense is depending heavily on bounceback seasons from their veterans while their kids mature into productive major leaguers. That said, the rotation could get even better with the much-anticipated arrivals of Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz. There's a couple of of hitters on the verge of being ready for the the move up the chain as well. They could soon be an exciting young team, but they might be at least a year away. I see the Braves battling them for third, but I imagine the Mets will be a few games better.