Storyline: What’s in store for the New York Mets in ’16? Let’s a hard look at a team with continuity and change. Written by Joe Setyon, Lynchburg, VA.
All things considered 2015 was a pretty good year for the Mets. There was a playoff run, the first since 2006, a World Series appearance, and a general feeling of optimism surrounding the team. With the Wilpons’ refusal to spend any significant money in the offseason it seems like this optimism has disappeared. However, it’s still important to remember that this this team has a lot to look forward to.
Here are five bold Mets predictions regarding what 2016 will hold.
1. Neil Walker will make fans forget about Daniel Murphy
Courtesy: sny.tv
Gotham’s Jordan Zides has already detailed why trading for Neil Walker was a smart move. Just a few days ago Daniel Murphy agreed to terms with the Nationals on a three-year deal. Comparing the two they are both 30 and put up some very similar numbers in their career. Murphy is a career .288 hitter who averages 11 homers and 72 RBIs a season, while Walker has a .272 average and has hit about 18 homers and driven in 81 RBIs a season. Moreover, while Murphy has a -2.6 career dWAR, Walker has been worth 0.6 dWAR.
Beyond the stats, Daniel Murphy will have some pressure on him to make good on the deal he signed. There’s no guarantee that he played the way he did in the first two rounds of the playoffs and, if he struggles, he’ll take some heat from the Washington fans. The same is true of Walker. But since he’ll be a free agent next year he’s actually incentivized to perform well. This could help him put forth a career year.
2. Travis d’Arnaud will be an All-Star
The Mets young catcher had a rough first half in 2014, eventually getting sent down to Triple A. However, he came back strong, raising his average from sub-.200 to .242. In 2015 we saw more of the same. D’Arnaud was injured for more than half the year as he only played in 67 games. However, over that time he slammed 12 homers, drove in 41 runs, and hit .268. Assuming that he stays healthy and plays about twice as many games in 2016, d’Arnaud could realistically hit about 25 home runs and drive in 80 runs. Those are good numbers at any position, but especially at catcher, where offense is scarce. d’Arnaud will be 27 this season, and in the midst of his prime, could be primed for a breakout season at the plate.
3. Michael Conforto will have a breakout year
Courtesy: twitter.com
The Mets outfield could regress significantly in 2016. However, one player that could change all that is young, left fielder Michael Conforto. In 56 regular season games last year Conforto crushed nine home runs and drove in 26 runs, while hitting for a respectable .270. Although he struggled in the first two rounds of the playoffs, he was hot in the World Series, hitting .333 with two homers. When the 2016 season starts Conforto will be just 23. He has already played at the highest stage possible, and has proven that he belongs. If he continues to develop, Conforto could be a mainstay in the middle of the order for years to come.
4. Steven Matz will be the NL Rookie of the Year
According to an MLB.com article Matz, along with Corey Seager, Julio Urias, Jesse Winker and Trea Turner are the early favorites for the 2016 ROY Award. Steven Matz has already pitched in the World Series, so it’s hard to believe that he’s still a rookie, but he is eligible because he only pitched in six regular season games, putting up a 2.27 ERA. In his short time in the majors Matz has showed an unbelievable composure, especially in the postseason. In each of his three playoff starts, he got himself into trouble, but found a way to limit the damage. Though he did not pitch more than five innings in any one game, he never gave up more than three runs. Against some of the game’s best hitters, Matz was able to keep his team in it. After holding his own in the World Series, Matz should be more than ready for 2016.
5. Matt Harvey will win the NL Cy Young Award
Courtesy: metsmerizedonline.com
This might be the boldest prediction yet. In his first year back from Tommy John’s surgery, the Dark Knight was amazing–pitching to a 2.79 ERA in 189.1 innings. In the postseason he had his ups and downs, but was good overall, as evidenced by his 3.04 ERA. Of course, the Harvey of 2015 was still working his way back from major surgery. He even admitted that he tried to limit his strikeouts to keep his pitch count low, thus “only” whiffing 188 men. In 2013, Matt Harvey showed that he can compete for the Cy Young, putting up a 2.27 ERA. Now, in 2016, he will have no innings limits and should be ready to be the workhorse of the staff once more. In two of his last three starts in the postseason, he lasted until the eighth inning or later, only faltering near the end. Months later, in April, Harvey will be ready to finish what he started.
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