Mets 2017 Season Preview: Final record predictions

Michael Lecolant, Staff Writer

For the last two years this team has been riddled with more problems than a math book. Considering this offseason’s lack of a transaction worth speaking of, the Mets familiar and lingering issues lead me to believe this year will be no different.

To their credit, dogged persistence and resilience has earned them consecutive postseason berths and a pennant in 2015.

Starting behind the plate, I wish I could be a little more compassionate towards Travis d’Arnaud and simply say he has yet to fulfill expectations. But in truth I already pegged him as this year’s Mets player most likely to disappoint.

Around the horn, David Wright is still nowhere close to participating in MLB games. And at this point, the rest of his playing career is arguably in doubt. The middle infield will essentially mirror last year’s. And if Wilmer Flores isn’t the most forgotten man in spring training, then Lucas Duda is. He just might be the Mets biggest enigma of all.

However, despite the recent injury to Juan Lagares the Mets still have a good problem on their hands. Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo now gain more outfield consideration.

On the mound, Steven Matz’ bothersome elbow could mean we might be seeing more of Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman than we initially bargained for. And until proven otherwise, Matt Harvey remains an unknown variable. Lastly, I’m just hoping the bullpen can hold down the fort until Jeurys Familia returns.

As you see, much of this involves very familiar issues.

The Mets still managed 90 victories in 2015, then experienced a slight downtick last year with 87 victories. I believe the Mets will experience an uptick this season, and post a 90-72 record, which should be good enough to clinch another Wild Card.