Photo by Chris Simon
It’s over.
The Mets finish 2021 77-85 with a 5-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Only one word can sum up the first year of the Steve Cohen era; disappointment.
New York places third in the National League East and 13 games back of the Wild Card as their playoff drought continues.
It was October baseball, and after 114 days in first place, many thought it would be in the playoffs. Instead, it ends with a fizzle.
The Mets had Noah Syndergaard on the mound in what could be his final appearance in Mets blue and orange. Like the season it ended without applause, allowing two runs on three hits in his lone inning of work. Manager Luis Rojas, in what could be his final appearance in Mets blue and orange, then put in Trevor Williams who allowed three runs on four hits over five innings.
Offensively the Mets couldn’t muster a run.
Brandon Nimmo went 0-for-4, Francisco Lindor went 0-for-4, Dominic Smith 0-for-3, Pete Alonso 0-for-2.
Michael Conforto finished his possible last game as a Met 1-for-3. His final at-bat came in the seventh inning. He singled. Conforto was left in the on-deck circle in the top of the ninth when the Mets failed to put a runner on base.
The Mets only had three hits, and four baserunners total. Jonathan Villar and Jose Peraza singled, Alonso had the lone walk.
At least it ended swiftly with the total time of the game taking two hours and 26 minutes. The Mets can begin the offseason with more questions than answers.
Will Rojas get another contract? Will any of Syndergaard, Conforto, Marcus Stroman, or Javier Baez be back? Who will run the team? Can they rely on Jacob deGrom to pitch a full season?
The season ended on a whimper but the organization will be screaming at itself until pitchers and catchers report in February. But what matters most is a team that promised success, failed to deliver.
Until next year Mets fans.
