Mets Season Preview: Final record predictions

Aug 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jenrry Mejia (58) reacts after closing the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. The Mets defeated the Braves 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Weiss, Staff Writer:

Many people don’t seem to appreciate the significance of Matt Harvey’s return to Flushing. More than anything else, the Dark Knight is a major contributer to the win’s department.

Despite Zack Wheeler and Josh Edgin’s season-ending injuries suffered in Spring, wins should be a bounty in 2015. The roster doesn’t appear much different from the one that Terry Collins put out last year — but Michael Cuddyer should instantly improve the team’s hitting, and all of the prospects (d’Arnaud, Flores, Reynolds) are a year closer to their primes.

For the first time in a long time, their is reason to be excited about the club’s bullpen. When healthy, this can be an effective unit. And finally, there is the pitching that New York has been stocking up on for years. It has the opportunity to be one of the best in the game.

If guys like David Wright and Curtis Granderson rebound from below-average 2014 campaigns, there is reason to believe that a team that’s been the lovable losers of baseball for too long can reach the playoffs this season.

Final record: 87-75 (2nd in N.L. East), Second Wild Card

Next: Sam Maxwell's Mets final record prediction