With an extremely shortened season on tap for 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the New York Mets are being projected for their 60-game run to win somewhere just over half of those contests. Fangraphs has predicted a 31-29 record while BetOnline.ag odds have the Mets’ win total set at 32.5.
Either of those totals would be at least good enough for contention for a wild card spot, but in a competitive National League with some teams on the rise, either of those totals might fall a touch short of the postseason.
The other thing to consider in this sprint – that is reportedly being regionalized according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network – is how the schedule looks early. The division is going to be a rugged battle with Atlanta and Washington sharing favoritism. Philadelphia can’t be overlooked either after the addition of Zack Wheeler. And even though Miami will most likely bring up the rear, they won’t be a pushover either.
If the Mets’ schedule is more back loaded, maybe they can get some early breathing room say if those eight meetings against Toronto and Baltimore all happen relatively early on in the proceedings.
The Mets have a pitching staff that will certainly look different after losing Wheeler and subsequently Noah Syndergaard to injury. The offseason additions of Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello will have to step up in a big way if the Mets are to contend for a postseason slot.
There are zero question marks about Jacob deGrom, who anchors the rotation, but a lot of watchful eyes will be on how the rest of this group performs. However more importantly, a lot of dominoes have to fall right in the bullpen if the Mets fancy themselves a contender.
While offensively the Mets should be fine, the defense is where they’ll need to improve after finishing last in the National League with -86 defensive runs saved in 2019.
All of those ingredients hope to come together under Luis Rojas, who took the managerial job after a roller coaster offseason.
There is a lot to like about this squad but admittedly there are several question marks. And this year there will be more emphasis on how teams start which brings the schedule back into play. Overall, it’s a very unique year in line and those first few weeks are going to be a frantic race for positioning to set up a shorter stretch run.
