The 2017 New York Mets finished 70–92, 4th in the NL East. A team plagues with injuries saw Matt Harvey pitch in 18 games, Noah Syndergaard in only 7, Yoenis Cespedes in just 81, and franchise staple David Wright out for the foreseeable future.
The Mets will start off this season with injuries, as Michael Conforto, Jason Vargas, and of course, David Wright, will all start the season on the disabled list. Jacob DeGrom is also experiencing stiffness in his back, and will not be available for Opening Day. The Mets will combine their star-studded pitching staff with a balance of veterans and young players in their lineup. Names to watch include Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, and Amed Rosario. This year, the Mets open their season against the Cardinals.
Opening Day Lineup (ZiPS Projected WAR for Each Player):
CF Brandon Nimmo (Combine with Juan Lagares for 2.0 WAR)
LF Yoenis Cespedes (3.0 WAR)
RF Jay Bruce (Combine with Conforto for 4.0 WAR)
2B Asdrubal Cabrera (1.0 WAR)
3B Todd Frazier (1.0 WAR)
1B Adrian Gonzalez (Combine with Wilmer Flores for 3.0 WAR)
C Kevin Plawecki (Combine with d’Arnaud for 4.0 WAR)
SP Noah Syndergaard (4.0 WAR)
SS Amed Rosario (2.0 WAR)
25-Man Roster
C: Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki
1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Wilmer Flores
2B: Asdrubal Cabrera
SS: Amed Rosario, Jose Reyes
3B: Todd Frazier, Phillip Evans
OF: Yoenis Cespedes, Brandon Nimmo, Jay Bruce, Juan Lagares
SP: Jacob DeGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, Matt Harvey, Seth Lugo
RP: Jeurys Familia, AJ Ramos, Jerry Blevins, Anthony Swarzak, Paul Sewald, Robert Gsellman, Jacob Rhame
Expert Predictions
CBS: Battle with Phillies for 2nd in NL East
FiveThirtyEight: 79–83, 3rd in NL East, 24% chance of making the playoffs
MLB.com’s Will Leitch: 88–74, lose to Cardinals in NL Wild Card Playoff
Five Big Questions
- What type of production will the Mets get from Adrian Gonzalez?
- Will Zack Wheeler, who was left in the minors after a rough Spring, be able to realize his potential and join this impressive rotation?
- Will a healthy David Wright be able to emerge once again?
- What kind of player will Michael Conforto become after he returns from injury?
5. Can this team stay healthy enough to compete for all 162 games?
Writer’s Prediction: The Mets have one of the more talented rosters, IF they can stay healthy. Assuming a relatively healthy season, 83–79, 2nd in NL East, and a Wild Card Playoff berth.
Featured Photo: wmac.org and mlb.com
