New York Mets: Do they have enough talent to contend in the NL East?
By Ed Stein
New York Mets spring training is underway at Port. St. Lucie, Florida. We asked our roundtable experts if the Mets had enough talent to compete for a division title in 2019.
It’s late February, the time of year when there is optimism in the hearts of every New York Mets fan. The season is yet to start and anything is possible. This year it just might be. The National League Eastern Division seems to be up for grabs and four of the five teams have a shot at winning it.
The Mets enter 2019 with a renewed sense of hope. There is a new man running the show from the front office, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen. He’s brought in some new players who will be able to give the team a boost in the standings.
We asked our roundtable panel if they thought the Mets have enough talent to realistically contend for the NL East title.
David Hill – Site Expert, Call to the Pen
There is no question that the New York Mets have improved their roster this offseason. Brodie Van Wagenen did exactly what he had promised – upgrading the roster and working to make the Mets a contender. The additions of Edwin Diaz, Robinson Cano, and Jed Lowrie, along with bringing back Familia, are major upgrades in areas that were needed.
But is that enough to contend in what should be a difficult NL East? The Nationals still appear to be the class of the division, and the Phillies offseason is still incomplete pending the end results of their pursuit of Bryce Harper. The Braves should be better, but that may not reflect in the standings.
Right now, I feel that the Mets can contend for a Wild Card. However, that depends on whether or not the starting pitching can stay healthy, and if the upgrades on paper prove out on the diamond.