New York Mets: It’s okay to buy into the hype
Typically when a team over-performs in April, fans like to remind the world that it’s only April. But for the New York Mets, it might not be just a hot start.
The New York Mets have started the season as hot as any team in baseball. They were the first to 10 wins, and they don’t look ready to slow down anytime soon.
The most recent Mets new isn’t good; catcher Travis d’Arnaud will be missing the remainder of the 2018 season. The injury could lead to a trade for a catcher, perhaps someone like J.T. Realmuto.
Despite the aforementioned setback, the Mets should actually be a very good team. Their pitching is elite when not plagued with injuries as they were in 2017. If you’re a Mets’ fan, you should be excited.
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Pitching staff is key to success
It’s no secret that the Mets’ pitching is legit when it’s healthy. After all, it’s the same core that won the National League pennant for the Mets in 2015. And that staff looks like they did in 2015 so far this season.
After 11 games, Mets’ pitching leads MLB in ERA (2.47) and is tied for the lead in batting average against (.204). All but one Mets’ pitcher who has made a 2018 appearance has an ERA below 4.00. Half have an ERA under 3.00.
Offense is a weakness
The Mets’ offense ranks 15th in runs scored so far in 2018. Interestingly, pitcher Matt Harvey still leads the team in batting average, having gone two-for-three in his at bats.
But the offense still could be good enough to allow the pitching staff to carry them back to the postseason. In 2015—when the Mets won the pennant—the Mets’ team OPS was .712. So far this season, it’s improved to .736.
But with their elite pitching staff, the Mets don’t really need a great offense. They will at least need a pretty good offense, however, and their current lineup should be able to provide that.
Next: Mets sending message to NL East
Some baseball spectators act as though games don’t matter. But a win in April has the same value as a win in September. And right now the Mets are accumulating wins, and just might be able to win enough to return to the postseason.