The Mets are 8-4 to start the 2019 season though they’ve done it behind their offense and not their pitching like many had thought entering year.
While many believed the offense was improved with the additions of Wilson Ramos, Robinson Cano, Jed Lowrie (when healthy) and possible full seasons of Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, I don’t think many thought it would be the strength of the 2019 Mets.
So far, it certainly has been.
The Mets have set a new franchise record with 75 runs through the first 12 games, beating out the 1996 club by one run. They’re averaging 6.25 runs per game under new hitting coach Chili Davis. That ranks fifth in the majors and fourth in the National League.
Of course, the catalyst has been rookie slugger Pete Alonso and his 257 OPS+ (second in MLB behind Mike Trout‘s 313). He has 12 extra base hits already (six doubles, six homers), which is a major league record through a players first 12 games. His 1.1 bWAR is tied for fifth in baseball.
Michael Conforto has been no slouch himself posting a 1.085 OPS over 55 plate appearances. The 26-year-old has seven multi-hit games this season, tied with Alonso and nine others for the major league lead.
Jeff McNeil (.921 OPS), J.D. Davis (.895 OPS), Wilson Ramos (.809 OPS), and Amed Rosario (.788) are all off to fine starts to 2019 as well.
As a team, the Mets have a 114 wRC+, which ties them with the Cubs for the second highest in the National League. This despite striking out 26.1% of the time, second highest in the NL. Their .336 BABIP is the highest in the majors, can they keep that up?
