At the beginning of the season, the New York Mets were predicted to have a poor season and be sellers, unlike previous seasons. Many discussed Pete Alonso being dealt in a huge trade; others had their eyes on veteran pitchers who would be free agents at the end of this season. However, the Mets have shocked and rocked their way to a wild card spot, albeit tied with the San Diego Padres (the Mets defeated San Diego in a sweep and are thus credited a spot over the Padres). Even though New York has the smallest lead possible, they have achieved a milestone after a 24-35 start. As a result, the Mets have turned into buyers.
Why The Mets Are Buyers At The Deadline
Where The Mets Stand
The Mets looked shaky on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals, but despite a 3-game skid, they survived by 4-4 on the road. After returning home, the Mets got Phil Maton and then wound up sweeping the Washington Nationals in a dominant performance by the Mets hitting and pitching. The Met are two games above .500 for the first time since they were 13-11. The Mets will take on the Colorado Rockies for three games in New York, then play the Miami Marlins for 4 in Miami.
After this, the Mets will face the New York Yankees for two in the Bronx, who are 6-17 in their last 23 games, two of those losses being against the Mets at Citi Field, where the Mets routed the Yankees to get back to .500. After this, the Mets return home to test their strength against the Atlanta Braves in a four-game series. They cap July off with a series against the Minnesota Twins.
With these series, the Mets can explode into a wild card spot; the Yankees, Braves, and Twins are not so easy. However, when the Mets are hot, they can beat anybody. The Mets’ energy looks good again after the sweep against the Nationals, so do not be surprised to see another surge.
The Mets Acquiring Another Pitcher Could Help The Bullpen.
From an immensely struggling bullpen to a great one? This is actually very possible. The Mets looked desperate to bring José Buttó, a starter, to the bullpen. However, the Mets acquired Maton, and Sean Reid-Foley will return to the bullpen. Thus, the Mets could suddenly gain much strength in its bullpen. Shintaro Fujinami, a pitcher who struggled with control last season, also looks like he could be in Queens soon. However, he struggled last season, so the Mets should be careful with him. The most exciting thing about him is his ability to easily touch 100 mph on his fastball.
The Mets buying at the deadline would make sense, as it could put the pen in a good position. Either a good player or a mediocre player would work for New York. Overall, the Mets, through excellent play, have proved that they are buyers at the deadline.
Main Photo Credits: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
