Mets Offseason To-Do List: Five grocery list items to check off

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 16: Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning of the interleague game on July 16, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mets defeated the Twins 3-2. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Find bullpen help

Did I mention this list is in no particular order? I mean, how many people actually make a grocery list based on the items’ location to the entrance anyway?

There’s nothing the Mets need to do more than find bullpen help. The relievers were the biggest reason why the team exited on time in 2019. They must ensure this isn’t the case again in 2020.

Finding talented relievers is easier said than done. As we witnessed in several cities during the 2019 season, it’s not a science.

Relief pitchers have become more important than ever in baseball. However, inconsistency has made it harder to find the right ones. Plenty of talented men have failed after an All-Star season. Others have had career-years after several seasons as journeymen. Not long after, they fall off the face of the earth.

At a minimum, the Mets need two really good relievers. One should come via free agency and another through a trade. And after they’re added to the cart, we have to all cross our fingers they were the brand our kids wanted.

Ensure the starting rotation is as good as ever

The Mets may lose Zack Wheeler to free agency this winter. To combat that, they may need to seek out an equally as talented replacement.

If Wheeler does return either with a new deal or after accepting the qualifying offer, there’s always a possibility we see them trade Noah Syndergaard. Without a doubt, one of the biggest stories to watch unfold this winter will be how the Mets plan to build their rotation. The most important part of this is that we can confidently say the five-man rotation is as good as it was at the end of 2019.

We know Jacob deGrom will be back and I’m guessing Marcus Stroman will be, too. Steven Matz should slot in as the team’s fifth starter. At least one of the other two spots will belong to Syndergaard or Wheeler.

Starting pitching has been the key to the Mets’ success for most of the franchise’s history. In 2015, it was the reason they made it to the World Series. They have a chance to do it again on the backs of their starters.

Among the tasks they need to accomplish this winter, ensuring the rotation is as good as ever is essential.

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