Major League Baseball has some deep roots in New York City, from the early days of the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers to the 27 World Championships that belong to the New York Yankees. So,with all of the history of baseball in New York, it is quite easy to forget at times that there is another New York baseball team. Yes, I am talking about that team from Flushing, Queens: the New York Mets.
The Mets do not have the deep history of the Yankees, or even the teams that used to reside in New York. They also have struggled since 2007, when their September collapse took them from a guaranteed playoff spot to missing the postseason. So, what is going on with the Mets now and what direction are they heading in?
Early this past offseason the Mets locked up their star third baseman David Wright to an eight year, $138 million contract. Wright has spent his whole career with the Mets and has become the face of the franchise. A six time all-star, Wright batted .306 in 2012 and is someone who keeps fans interested in the Mets.
Wright’s contract, however, may have been the one bright spot for the Mets this offseason. They opted to trade 2012 National League Cy Young Award Winner, RA Dickey, to the Toronto Blue Jays and failed to sign free agent outfielder Michael Bourn, whom they strongly pursued.
With the lack of quality star players on the Mets current roster, it is safe to say that at the moment that the Mets are a rebuilding team. More eyes are currently on the minor leagues and prospects that could make an impact on the team over the next few seasons.
In the trade that sent Dickey, the Mets got the top catching prospect in baseball, Travis d’Arnaud. D’Arnaud could catch for the Mets this season, but even if he remains in the minors he looks like he will be a great addition in years to come.
Aside from d’Arnaud, the Mets also have three other prospects that are considered among the top 100 MLB prospects. They also have one of the top 10 third baseman prospects in the game. In addition to these strong prospects, Mets’ owner Fred Wilpon also made note this week that the team’s financial struggles are over. This means that the Mets could start to spend big money during free agency again soon, which means more quality players coming in that way.
The bad news for the Mets and their fans is that the Mets are not looking so good for 2013 in a NL East division that features a lot of young talent. The Washington Nationals had the best record in baseball in 2012 and only improved during the offseason. The Atlanta Braves also made the playoffs in 2012 and also improved during the offseason. The Philadelphia Phillies struggled in 2012 but still possess a lot of talent.
The Mets can smile a little, however, despite their being three much stronger teams in their division. The Miami Marlins look to be in worse shape than the Mets and could save them from finishing at the bottom of the division. Still, though, the Mets are in a position that will make them finish fourth in their division and they do not look like they will be improving in the next few seasons.
