Oct 9, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) exits the game during the fifth inning in game three of the Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: San Diego Padres at New York Mets
In what was the Mets’ best season regular since in 1986, they closed the show by crashing and burning this weekend at the hands of the San Diego Padres in game 3 of the National League Wild Card. A magical 101-win season resulted in the team playing just three postseason games and leaving the worst possible taste in fans’ mouths.
Was there a lot to be happy about in the last six months? Yes. Did the team’s $300 million shortstop have a redemption season and break records? Yes. Did Edwin Diaz flip his narrative and become the sport’s best closer? Yes. All this reigns true, but at the end of the day, the season as a whole can’t be looked at as anything short of a failure. This team had goals of playing deep into October and at least coming within reach of a World Series in year two of what was Steve Cohen’s “Three-to-five-year plan.” Truth is, they never came close to it.
The question now is: who’s to blame? Is it Billy Eppler who made small patchwork moves at the deadline instead of trying to hit a home run for a team in a win-now situation that had noticeable holes? You can argue that. At the end of the day, this team was in position to take of business and steer the ship themselves but after a month of struggling with sub .500 teams in September and the team’s two aces not showing up down the stretch, we arrived to the spot the Mets are in now: on the couch in October.
Brandon Nimmo is another vital peace to the success to this team offensively and defensively, and with the upcoming center fielder free agent class thin outside of Nimmo and Aaron Judge, it’s crucial the Mets have at least one of them there in April. Judge seems unlikely bur once again, it wont be because a lack of coin.
Edwin Diaz has already spoken on his free agent status and told reporters after Sunday’s season finale, “I hope [the Mets] come to me quick to talk. I will take the best offer for me and my family.”
All of this is speculation, but there is a very strong possibility team that won 101 games this season might look very different come spring training.
