FanGraphs recently released their first standings projections of 2018 with the New York Mets finishing at 84 wins and getting the second Wild Card spot.
They also currently give the Mets a 42.4 chance of making the playoffs and 17.7% of them winning the National League East Division title. Of course they have the Washington Nationals at the top of the division with 92 projected wins and a 78.9% chance of winning the NL East.
The St. Louis Cardinals are given a 50.5% chance of claiming the first Wild Card spot in the National League. FanGraphs’ top NL World Series contender also comes from the Central division, with the Chicago Cubs having a 13.4% chance of winning the World Series.
Unsurprisingly, the Houston Astros have a 24.5% chance of repeating as champions. FanGraphs’ has the Mets with a 1.5% chance of winning their first World Series title since 1986.
A big factor in the Mets success or failure of 2018 falls on the shoulders of a pitching staff that was riddled with injury and ineffectiveness last season. The good news is, outside of the small hiccup from Jason Vargas, the Mets pitching staff looks healthy to begin the 2018 season.
On the offensive side the Mets will need Yoenis Cespedes and Michael Conforto to stay on the field after combining for only 190 games in 2017.
As the late Tug McGraw said, Ya Gotta Believe!
