The New York Mets have remained relatively quiet since signing Yoenis Cespedes earlier this offseason so it makes sense that the critics are asking whether they have done enough to contend in the National League. The Mets will field some considerable talent but they still have some concerns that will need to be addressed if they are going to return to the postseason and contend for a World Series title. Here is a look at the five key questions the Mets are facing heading in to spring training 2017.
Do They Have The Star Power?
The biggest question with the Mets is whether or not they have the star power to contend in the NL with an emphasis on the lack of moves they made this offseason. New York retained six players they could have let walk in Cespedes, Jerry Blevins, Fernando Salas, Jay Bruce, Neil Walker and Jose Reyes then decided not to add a single free agent that helped another major league team last season. The Mets have the same core in place that took them to the postseason in 2016 but a lack of additional star power could cap their overall potential this season.
What’s Next For Familia?
The league’s investigation in to domestic violence charges placed on closer Jeurys Familia have slowed and it’s hard to know whether or not the intention is to suspend him for the start of the season. New York already has a capable replacement in place in Addison Reed, but they would love to bring back Familia and move Reed to the setup role. The Mets have enough quality arms to complete a deep and talented bullpen but they need to find out what is next for Familiar and whether he will be available in the closer role beginning on Opening Day.
The Mets were one of the best pitching teams in the big league’s last year, so if there is anyone that can handle this type of an issue, it’s them. They finished the 2016 regular season third in terms of team ERA and second in terms of saves. One area where they were a little weak was with opponent batting average as they were merely 11th in that category, which is low considering how some of their other numbers looked.
Will Rosario Push His Way On The Team?
The Mets signed Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year deal that includes a 2018 option and while he proved to be a nice addition last year New York could be wary of top prospect Amed Rosario being ready to push Cabrera for the starting job. Rosario hit .324 with 42 extra base hits and 19 stolen bases between High-A and Double-A last season. Considering the lack of star power the team added in the offseason it could be only a matter of time before Rosario pushes his way on the team. Cabrera has done enough to maintain his place in the lineup but Rosario’s emergence could force the Mets to shake things up.
Where Does Wheeler Fit?
Zack Wheeler is coming off Tommy John surgery and he was forced to shut it down after just 17 pitches last season when he was diagnosed with a mild flexor tendon train. Wheeler is expected to be back at 100 percent and it will be interesting to see where he fits in. Wheeler went 11-11 with a 3.54 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP when he was healthy in 2014 and considering he wants no part in joining the team’s bullpen it seems as though the Mets will need to determine where he fits as a starter.
Where Does Conforto Fit?
It wasn’t long ago that Michael Conforto was considered the next big thing for the Mets but the 23-year-old struggled with a disastrous .169 average last May and was eventually demoted to the minors in June. Conforto returned a month later but he continues to struggle and he hit just .174 with only 19 extra base hits in 262 plate appearances overall following that first month. Conforto has considerable potential but he will need to prove he belongs as fit in the Mets lineup.
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