With the Mets failing to meet the “high expectations” of their owner, Steve Cohen, there isn’t time for reflection.
It was all good on June 1 when, under Buck Showalter’s steady guidance, the Mets took a 10½-game lead in the National League East division.
Showalter is running his fifth team in his 21 seasons as a major league manager. The reality of the situation is he brought much-needed credibility to a team sorely in need of leadership and accountability.
Even with the Atlanta Braves breathing on their necks all summer, reality was still kind to the Mets.
And on September 19, it was still all good.
After clinching their first playoff berth since 2016, the Mets still controlled their own destiny. They had to beat the teams they were supposed to beat — at Oakland (where the Mets took 2 out of 3) and back home to face Miami (where they split two games). Then to Atlanta, for a three-game showdown which would clear the path to a division title.
“This is a lot of fun, right? I mean, it’s a lot better than losing,” Steve Cohen said then. “I have high expectations. … I think this is a team that can go really far.”
But when the Mets were swept away by the Braves, reality was done being kind.
A lost weekend in Atlanta brought a reality check with the impact of a Canelo body blow.
The thing with reality, when it hits — it can be a wake up call or pack a punch we never recover from.
The Braves went on to win the division, not the Mets.
The same division the Mets led for 175 days. The consolation prize, despite their 101 wins, — was a spot in the wild card round.
And then three games into the postseason, losers of two out of three on their home field, the Mets were done. A 6-0 loss to the San Diego Padres sent a $274 million team from Queens home for the winter.
No deep postseason run in October. There will be no showdown with the Dodgers.
The Braves were the better team, the division title deserved to end up in Atlanta.
The Padres were the better team in the Wild Card round.
For 175 days this season, the Mets held a grip on first place in the division. Then reality caught up with them.
And just like that, it’s time for the offseason.
There’s no time to reflect on what went wrong; New York sports radio, debate shows, and the fan base will take care of that.
Pete Alonso, after the Mets were eliminated from the postseason, summed up what type of reality check is next in store for his team.
“It’s not just the losing. It’s kind of the disbanding of the group because every single guy in this clubhouse is really awesome. And it just sucks that it’s not going to be the same group next year because you have free agency, trade possibilities,” he said.
Another body blow.
Tough decisions are ahead for Showalter, Cohen, and general manager Billy Eppler.
Edwin Diaz
The “Narco” entrance theme music is epic, however, so was Diaz. He was outstanding with a 1.31 ERA and 32 saves. At 29 years old, there’s growing buzz Diaz could become the first reliever history to draw a contract in the $100 million-range. The Mets had their ups and down this season in the bullpen, Diaz was the one constant.
Jacob deGrom
When he’s on, he’s the best pitcher on the planet. For the Mets right now, he’s the elephant in the room. deGrom has an opt out in his current deal. With free agency approaching, the Mets must decide if their future includes him.
If health didn’t play so large a role in this, it’s a no-brainer to backup the brinks truck. However, he hasn’t managed a full season since 2019. The pandemic limited him to just 12 starts in 2020 and then injuries kept him at 15 starts last year and 11 here in 2022.
Hear that knocking at the door? It sounds like reality waiting to get in.
Brandon Nimmo
He’s coming off the best season of his career. Another fan favorite, Nimmo has positioned himself well to secure the bag this winter. In what’s considered a weak market for leadoff hitters / center fielders (not named Aaron Judge), the Mets have to know Nimmo’s services will be in high demand.
Here’s one more reality check…
What we know is Diaz, deGrom and Nimmo will cost a heavy penny to bring back. Additionally, it’s not just them. The bullpen could also lose Trevor May, Seth Lugo and Adam Ottavino. The starting rotation could lose Chris Bassitt and Taijuan Walker.
If deGrom walks, that leaves 38-year old Max Scherzer has the ace of the staff. For as good as Scherzer was in the regular season, his health issues this season were a red flag. Additionally, this is a Mets team which still needs more offense in the middle of its lineup.
Cohen’s `bankroll carries with it plenty of coin. How far is he willing to go to not only keep the Mets in the postseason conversation, but invest in the necessary upgrades to become a championship team?
We’re about to find out.
Main Image: AP Photo/John Minchillo
