Portrait 2022: New York Mets
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Now that the work stoppage is behind us and the teams have had time to improve in preparation for the 2022 season, it’s time to prepare for the next Major League Baseball season by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the different formations. .
On the menu today: the New York Mets.
The first season of new owner Steve Cohen will certainly not have lived up to expectations for the New York Mets. Injuries, poor performances and boos will have been at the heart of the 2021 campaign for the New York team, which finished the season in third place in its division with a record of 77 wins and 85 losses.
The Mets had however taken advantage of the slump of the Atlanta Braves and their many injured players to take first place in the Eastern Division of the National League. The rest of the season will simply have been in controversy.
Additions and departures
In preparation for the 2022 season, the Mets have added several elements to their roster. They first signed a lucrative three-year, $129 million contract to veteran right-hander Max Scherzer. He will certainly support Jacob deGrom and the two pitchers will form one of the best duos in major league baseball, if they are healthy, of course.
The Mets have also traded with the Oakland A’s for the services of Chris Bassitt. In return, Oakland received two pitchers, JT Ginn and Adam Oller.
In relief, the Mets have offered a one-year contract to pitcher Adam Ottavino, known for his slippery ball. The right-hander will look to bounce back from a tough second season with the Yankees in 2020 and an equally tough first season with Boston in 2021.
On December 1, just before the start of the labor dispute, the Mets signed versatile third baseman Eduardo Escobar. An ambidextrous hitter and capable of playing at first base, he is a great insurance policy for the Mets.
Starling Marte also signed a deal with the Mets, this time for four more years. The Dominican outfielder could however start the season on the sidelines, injured. However, he will be an important asset at the top of the training for New York.
Mark Canha also joined the ranks of the Mets. The outfielder has agreed with the New York formation for two years.
Among the departures, shortstop Javier Baez left to sign a six-year contract with the Detroit Tigers. He and Francisco Lindor had to do it rain or shine at Citi Field. Hopes now turn to Lindor, who could (will) bounce back in 2022.
Reliever Jeurys Familia also left to test the free agent market. He signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. As for Michael Conforto, he still has not signed with any formation.
Outfielder Cameron Maybin also announced his retirement from the Mets in 2021.
Strengths and weaknesses
The Mets will be able to count on an improved rotation, if it remains healthy. With deGrom, Scherzer, Bassitt and Carrasco, they will be able to compete against teams in their division and the rest of the league.
We may have to put a little more effort into the succession. It will therefore be necessary to have good starts from the starters.
On offense, the changes should work. It will definitely take a few games to make sure everyone is on the same page.
The Mets will also be able to count on the return of Robinson Cano, who missed the 2021 season due to a second doping offense. He once again offered his apologies and his presence can certainly help the Mets. Spring camp will be important to him.
What to expect in 2022?
The Mets have the elements in their roster to rival the Braves in 2022. Unless they crumble again, the Mets should earn a playoff ticket as the best runner-up. There will be many imponderables throughout the season.
On paper, however, they can achieve it.
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