While most fans would have liked to see a Manny Machado or Bryce Harper don blue and orange for 2019 and beyond, there’s no discounting the moves the Mets have made this winter.

When Brodie Van Wagenen took the reigns as New York’s new general manager, he made a promise that he’d be bold and position the Mets to win. Despite the Mets’ well documented financial constraints, BVW has done what he’s can to give the Mets the best shot at winning.

While trading potential five tool outfielder Jarred Kelenic and starting prospect Justin Dunn were hard pills to swallow, there’s no denying the excitement that is going to come when Edwin Diaz sprints out from the bullpen to lock down games. Plus, Robinson Cano, even at age 35, is still a top 10 second baseman in the game and gives the Mets an established veteran and eight-time all-star in their lineup.

Then you have Jeurys Familia and Justin Wilson, who were signed on shrewd moves that will surely help solidify the back-end of the bullpen, complement the incumbent pieces we had, and vastly improve an area that struggled in 2018.

In addition to Cano in the lineup, you also now have Jed Lowrie and Wilson Ramos that give you some pop, which will be followed a few weeks in to the season with the addition of Peter Alonso. Those are four big bats that will join Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto and Jeff McNeil/Todd Frazier in the lineup. On paper, that looks really good.

But perhaps one of the most important things Brodie did this winter was bringing in depth pieces like Keon Broxton and J.D. Davis to go along with a plethora of spring training invitees. Depth is an area where New York has struggled in years past, especially when they have been decimated by injuries and haven’t had the proper players to fill the voids left by the regulars.

Broxton is a terrific defender who has some potential offensively if he puts it together, and Davis gives New York a guy who can slot in at the corner infield positions and play outfield if need be. He didn’t thrive in Houston, but is still young and with a change of scenery could blossom.

I also think that New York will still bring in a couple more players before Opening Day, perhaps a starter and another bullpen piece and perhaps a backup shortstop and another outfielder.

But regardless, the 2019 Mets are stacking up to be a new look team. I project that eight or nine of the guys on the 25-man roster to kick off the season will be newbies. And if the Mets stay competitive this year, they’ll surely add as they go.

It’s going to be an exciting season, and I can’t wait to see some baseball later this month. Let’s go Mets!