The New York Mets may not sell anything beyond rental pieces at the deadline. Why? Because they think they can contend in 2019.
The idea of the New York Mets contending this year is something to be laughed at. The Mets started the season on fire, but have since fallen back to the bottom of the NL East. Even the Marlins, who were expected to be one of the worst teams in baseball.
However, the Mets are regarding this season as a minor setback. In fact, they may not make many moves, as they expect to contend in 2019.
though he's in the middle of talks, some would still be surprised if the mets traded Zack Wheeler. rival: "They think they can win next year."
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2018
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As strange as it may seem for a team that is as far away from contention as the Mets are this season, that could actually happen. Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard are two of the best pitchers in baseball. The Mets could rebuild their bullpen, with the recently reinstated Jeurys Familia potentially back in the closer role. A healthy Yeonis Cespedes, even if that means he returns in May, along with Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto, is solid. Todd Frazier could return to being a viable threat in the lineup.
Yes, the Mets have holes. The bullpen needs some work. The Mets need an answer in the middle of their infield. They need Steven Matz to be more consistent, and Jason Vargas to stay healthy. And yet, in a division that saw the Braves and the Phillies contend overnight, why not the Mets?
This offseason will be vitally important. The Mets need to figure out who their general manager will be, and get ownership to pony up the money needed to fix these issues. Or, with various trades, they may be able to acquire some of those needed pieces. The Mets may seem far from contention, but they may be closer than we realize.
The New York Mets are expecting to contend next year. It may not be as crazy as it sounds.