The New York Mets were one of the worst defensive teams in all of baseball last season. This is not news. This offseason, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen and his staff must emphasize their focus on improving that ultra-important facet of their collective game.
Though, with minimal changes expected in the team’s defensive alignment — unless Brodie truly does get creative — the Mets will have to make a concerted effort to improve their defense from within. Fear not, there is precedent here.
In September, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic detailed New York’s Amed Rosario‘s increased effectiveness at the shortstop position as last season wore on, noting his work with infield coach Gary DiSarcina and the Mets’ analytics department as a direct factor in the uptick.
“[DiSarcina], working off information provided by the team’s analysts, designed a three-point plan for Rosario that included adjustments in his pre-pitch setup and footwork,” Rosenthal wrote, adding, “Rosario was [-13 DRS] entering May 19. He is still [-13; on September 2], meaning that he has played to league-average level over the last three-plus months.”
Judging by Rosario’s improvements throughout 2019, the blueprint is evident. Plus, improved defensive placement and pre-pitch setup are imperative when so much of the Mets’ success relies on their pitching.
As per Baseball Savant, the Dodgers shifted their defenders in 50.6 percent of all plate appearances last season, more than any team in baseball. They finished 2019 with the most defensive runs saved (136) in MLB (0.8 UZR/150; 13th).
The Mets shifted at a 14.1 percent rate — 28th in the majors — last season and accumulated -93 DRS (29th in MLB; -0.8 UZR/150, 19th). That’s less than optimal, to say the least.
Mets pitchers induced ground balls at a 43.4 percent clip as a staff in 2019, tied for 10th-most in the majors (Colorado, 46.1 percent, led the way). Their 20.4 wins above replacement (FanGraphs) as a group was good for seventh in baseball. Clearly, the talent is here.
Marcus Stroman (53.7% GB rate), Noah Syndergaard (48% GB), and Jacob deGrom (44.4% GB) ranked fourth, 17th, and 27th, respectively, among MLB starters in ground ball rate last season.
If the Mets want to put these catalytic cogs in premier positions to succeed — and if they want to shore up a glaring, potentially damning deficiency — sharp infield defense is an absolute must heading into 2020.
