2019 was impressive for the New York Mets, but making these three moves would make them a serious contender in 2020.
For the third straight October, the New York Mets are watching from home and missing out on a postseason run. 2019 was a huge improvement for the Mets but they fell short of the playoffs for a multitude of reasons.
The bullpen had the fifth most blown saves and the 12th worst ERA in the National League. Many games were lost because of poor performances by relievers. Their two major bullpen acquisitions, 2018 All-Star Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia, were both horrific. Diaz went 2-7 with a 5.59 ERA and seven blown saves. Familia went 4-2 with a 5.70 and for blown saves.
Another major issue of why the Mets fell short of the playoffs was their inconsistency in centerfield. The club ranked 14th in the National League in batting average and hits for the CF position. All NYM centerfielders combined to have a .229 batting average.
This position has been a weak spot for the Mets for a long time. The only legitimate centerfielder the Mets have had since they traded away Carlos Beltran in 2011 is Yoenis Cespedes, who has only played 103 games at the position in orange and blue.
It is sad to realize that the Wilpons will not be aggressive enough to acquire these free agents, but here are three moves that the New York Mets should make this offseason to transcend into a playoff team once again.