Yesterday, ESPN’s Keith Law released his annual predictions for the MLB season (Insider only). Included in those forecasts are his picks to win the major awards. Of all his selections, one will stick out to Mets fans.
NL Rookie of the Year: Travis d’Arnaud
As loaded as the AL rookie class is, the NL class is shallow, with a few guys given regular jobs but with big question marks over performance or, in d’Arnaud’s case, durability. I’ll concede that Billy Hamilton could run his way to this award, but if I’m putting money on a favorite, it’s the catcher with 20-homer power.
I was pleasantly surprised to see this selection. After his disappointing debut in 2013, many have been down on d’Arnaud. Reports of the Mets working on the 25-year old backstop’s swing wasn’t encouraging news either. However I think those factors have lead to Travis coming into 2014 both overlooked and underrated. It would be hard to believe that every major prospect ranker missed on this kid. Hopefully with some adjustments and more experience he can fulfill the expectations everyone once had for him in 2014.
Aside from this, Law also predicted an 80-82 record for the Mets, good enough for a third place finish in the NL East. He also offered this encouraging tidbit:
The New York Mets’ rotation has quietly become both good and deep; give them Matt Harvey and we could be discussing a wild-card spot, even before we talk about any of their pitching prospects contributing.
To read the rest of Law’s predictions click here (subscription required).
(Photo by Anthony J. Causi)
