Mets Season Preview: Final record predictions

Aug 24, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) hits a three run home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Mollie Galchus, Staff Writer:

I definitely think the Mets will show an improvement from last year, with Matt Harvey’s return and another great arm in Jacob deGrom. Like I’ve written before, it’s almost a given that David Wright will have a better year than last year, as will Curtis Granderson. Juan Lagares’ defense and Lucas Duda’s power—and recent hitting against lefties—will also help.

It’s been nice to see the nonstop media coverage of the Mets over this offseason related to the team’s chance of taking over New York in the near future, and to see both Mets fans and Mets players speak about the team in a different, and more positive way. I think there’s a good chance that this team plays well for most of the season and finishes over .500.

However, too many things have to go right that haven’t gone right for the Mets over the past few years.

Curtis Granderson doesn’t just have to improve, but has to have an impressive year. Wright needs to stay healthy for the entire season, and so does Michael Cuddyer. Travis d’Arnaud needs to have fewer passed balls and actually show the ability to hit for a full season. This is a team that batted .239 last year and didn’t add much offensive help over the offseason. This winter, I forgot how unimpressive Jenrry Mejia was as the closer. Even though Bobby Parnell is expected back soon, there’s a chance that he doesn’t get off to as good a start post-surgery as Harvey did. Wilmer Flores needs to make up for his lack of experience at shortstop by having a great offensive year.

I’ve only been following the Mets since 2012, so I’ve never known them as a winning team. For me, even just missing the wild card by two games would be a great step in the right direction. But, hopefully this prediction is wrong and the Mets do get a spot in the postseason.

Final record: 86-76 (2nd in N.L. East), miss playoffs

Next: Ryan Punzalan's Mets final record prediction