New York Mets: Three Michael Wacha predictions for 2020

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 27: Michael Wacha #52 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Busch Stadium on July 27, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 27: Michael Wacha #52 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Busch Stadium on July 27, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 15: Michael Wacha of the New York Mets (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Michael Wacha is a bit of a wild card for the 2020 New York Mets. That won’t stop me from making some predictions for how his year goes.

One of the newest members of the New York Mets, Michael Wacha, has plenty of incentive to perform well in 2020. The more he pitches and the better he does, the fatter his wallet will get.

Wacha’s exact role with the Mets this season could change. Depending on injuries and the performance of him and others, he could find himself starting more than relieving.

In what may end up as Wacha’s lone year in New York, I’m predicting a mix of good and bad from the veteran righty.

Wacha has only a small number of starts

What’s small? Small to me is no more than seven. I suppose, in a way, this is a positive Mets prediction because it means the starting rotation will stay relatively healthy.

Wacha’s own health is a question and I do think he’ll land on the IL for even a short period. For the sake of his bank account, he’ll want to hope it doesn’t happen when someone else is out, too.

Wacha is the man the Mets will turn to whenever they need a solution to fill in for an injured starter. He’s a fine choice and will serve this purpose well.

Something we have to consider is how rested Wacha is. If the Mets need to skip a start from someone or place a member of the rotation on the IL a few days after his most recent start, Wacha may not be ready to go because he has already pitched in relief. He’ll benefit more from extended absences when he can have a chance to stretch his arm out a little more.

I’m going to think positively. Wacha’s 2020 season will include only a few starts.