New York Mets could be passed by Colorado Rockies in standings

The New York Mets and the Colorado Rockies were teams that appeared to be heading in two different directions heading into this season. The Mets had made several splashes during the offseason, adding Francisco Lindor while seemingly shoring up their rotation and lineup. There was a sense of optimism surrounding the team that had not been present in years, with Steve Cohen’s stated goal of a championship appearing to be plausible.

The Rockies, meanwhile, were heading in the opposite direction. Once again, they refused to spend money on any major league free agent. They paid the Cardinals to take on Nolan Arenado. Add in a division with the Dodgers and Padres, who were engaging in their own version of an arms race, and there was seemingly no hope for the Rockies this year.

New York Mets and Colorado Rockies heading in different directions

Nothing had changed with that perception over the first half of the season. The Mets were leading the NL East at the All Star Break, and while they were battling their ongoing injury woes, the rest of the division was struggling to break .500. The Rockies were languishing in fourth place in the NL West, easily an afterthought aside from which pieces would be dealt at the trade deadline.

The deadline came and went, with the Mets adding the likes of Javier Baez and Rich Hill. The Rockies inexplicably held on to all of their players, including Trevor Story, who has made it clear that he would sooner lose his right arm than remain in Colorado. It was just a matter of the Rockies being the Rockies.

But a funny thing has happened since then. The Mets have plummeted down the standings, unable to get out of their own way, especially in the wake of Jacob deGrom‘s injury woes. Meanwhile, the Rockies have been plugging along, playing at an above .500 clip since the break.

That change in direction is plainly obvious. Over the past 30 games, the Mets have posted a 12-18 record while the Rockies are 17-13. This adds up to the Rockies slowly catching up to the Mets, where they are now 2.5 games behind them in the standings.

This season clearly has not gone the way the Mets expected. That promise from the first half has faded away to the point where it is probable that a major overhaul of both the front office and coaching staff are forthcoming. For the Rockies, even though they have several key free agents that are likely to depart, this season is a sign of hope, that maybe the future is as bright as they have claimed.

Passing the Mets in the standings would be a shocking end to the season. It would give the Rockies something to build off of, and would only further the disappointment that has been the Mets season. At this point, considering the direction of the two teams right now, it is entirely possible.

The New York Mets and Colorado Rockies had completely different expectations entering 2021, and yet the Mets may finish behind the Rockies in the standings.