Few baseball teams are as iconic and recognizable as the Mets, based in the New York Borough of Queens. Founded in 1962, the team initially struggled, setting a record for the worst ever season when they debuted.
Despite their initial hardships, the Mets have evolved into one of the most competitive teams in baseball, brimming with success. Some of their many accolades include winning the world series in both 1969 and 1986 and taking home five national league pennants.
The Mets have the privilege of pulling off one of the biggest upsets in MLB history in the 1969 World Series. Huge underdogs against one of the MLB’s best ever teams, their unlikely victory earned them appraisal as the ‘Miracle Mets’.
The Runup to the 2022 Season
The last few seasons have been ones to forget for Mets fans as they have been far from remarkable. Five straight seasons missing the playoffs reflects how the Queens giants have struggled to fill their potential.
Despite this, the off season wasn’t passive, and the plethora of new acquisitions include a new manager and several players. Buck Showalter was appointed manager in December with many fans feeling as though he can catalyze the Met’s playing at their best.
Player wise, additions include Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, Mark Canha, Eduardo Escobar, all signed before the December 2nd lockout. When the transfer window reopened in March, Chris Brassitt (rotation) and Adam Ottavino (bullpen) were added to the team.
The 2022 Season
With the 2022 season having gotten underway on the 7th of April, the Mets earned a dominant 5-1 win. This was despite the absence of renowned pitcher Jacob DeGrom, who is a vital cog in the wheel and one of their best.
The Atlanta Braves are likely favorites for the division, but the Mets will undoubtedly make the NL East a hot contest. Braves’ had the opposite fortune to the Mets in their opening game, suffering a disappointing defeat to the Cincinnati Reds.
Considering how last year’s form took a hit after DeGrom’s injury, winning without him will be a weight off everyone’s collective shoulders. The two-time winner of the National League Cy Young Award is set to be out until June with an elbow sprain.
Max Scherzer is a competent replacement, but the Mets won’t truly be at their best without DeGrom.
Despite a lackluster season last year and a steady decline, Francisco Lindor remains the Met’s most integral pitcher. He’s proven before he has the ability and recapturing his best form could prove to be the difference for the Queens team.
Veteran left fielder Mark Canha is another signing brought in to strengthen the starting lineup.
Center field looks to be a competitive position this season, with Brandom Nimmo and newcomer Starling Marte vying for the role. Nimmo demonstrated much improved defense last season and is likely to be slightly preferred.
With Nimmo known for being injury prone, it was wise business for the Met’s to bring in a competent replacement.
Marte has won two gold gloves and is a very versatile player who has excelled fielded in both left and center. Despite this, it’s expected that the right will be his most played position this season despite his inexperience there.
Catcher James McCann struggled in his debut season, disappointingly finding himself among the worst in terms of chasing pitchers and strikeout percentage. Another option in this position could be Tomas Nido, although he is another player who is susceptible to injury.
Offensively, Pete Alonso was reliably consistent last season, and a repeat of form will bolster their chances of a successful campaign.
Now more than ever, Met’s owner Steve Cohen needs to win over fans’ support and prove his love for the club. A new manager, new players and lucrative contract extensions set the right precedent, but some tangible success is what the fans want above all else.
In terms of designated hitter, the Mets have extensive depth with the likes of Cano, Smith and David. The depth of the squad is only extended with Alonso, whose implementation allows Smith to play elsewhere.
A good showing from Jeff McNeil could be decisive in an attacking sense. He led in home runs last season with 37 and was a standout performer.
There wasn’t a nailed on third baser last season, with Jonathan Villar and J.D. Davis shared the position. However, new signing Eduardo Escobar looks set to take on the position for this season.
Luckily, the depths appear to have plenty of depth should they suffer further injury setbacks. Medical issues are a prominent issue with the Mets and Carrasco and Walker’s fitness is key to Met’s success.
Chris Bassitt, a recent acquisition from Oakland could also be a key pitcher. Despite not throwing a big fastball, his throws have plenty of movement on them and could compliment others.
The veteran pair are coming off the back of surgery and had shaky moments last season.
Already, The Mets have won four of their last five games and recorded three shutouts in 2022. Betting only adds to the thrill of watching your team play and being well-informed as a fan only supports your chances of winning. With the recent increase in real money betting sites, it can be overwhelming to figure out the odds as a die-hard Mets fan. However, sites like Time2Play have reviewed the best options to give you all the information you need.
2022 Could Be a Great Season for the Mets
The New York Mets are one of the most iconic baseball teams around, brimming with history and success. Any keen baseball fan recognizes the potential of this talented group and 2022 could be a great year.
Always a competitive outfit, if luck is on their side there is no doubt that they can definitely challenge for the championship.
