Mets: No time like 2021 for another no-hitter from this team
There have already been four no-hitters thrown in Major League Baseball this season plus the 7-inning one Madison Bumgarner picked up in a double-header. Baseball doesn’t recognize that one because they would have to be way too consistent in order to do so. The New York Mets have been involved in any of these no-no’s but their pitchers should take advantage and participate.
The Mets still have only one no-hitter on the books. We know it well, the June 1 start by Johan Santana against the St. Louis Cardinals. Santana endeared himself to fans with this once-in-a-Mets lifetime performance.
This season, with pitching dominating and hitting struggling, Mets starts have the perfect opportunity to add a second no-hitter to the franchise’s record books.
The Mets have more than their share of candidates to throw a no-hitter
Through this early part of the 2021 season, we have seen a trio of fantastic starters emerge—or at least remind us how great they are. Jacob deGrom is well on his way to compete for another Cy Young. Marcus Stroman looks the best he ever has and could certainly go the distance thanks in part to his ability to induce groundballs at such an effective rate.
Let’s also not ignore Taijuan Walker, the final piece of this starting rotation trio making sure the Mets stay alive even through some slumping bats. He, too, has no-hit potential.
With a no-hitter, you never can tell where it will come from. Joe Musgrove, Carlos Rodon, John Means, and Wade Miley are the four to throw official ones this season. All quality arms, I’m not sure anyone out there was betting on a no-hitter from them this year. A prediction like that is reserved for reigning Cy Young winners.
Beyond those three Mets starters, all others should be considered. And hey, what about a combined no-hitter with the improved bullpen participating? I can see five no-hit innings from a random emergency starter and four more from the relievers. We got five no-hit innings from Tommy Hunter and Joey Lucchesi already before the Arizona Diamondbacks got a hit.
Mets fans hold the Santana no-hitter near and dear to their hearts. It took a long time for any pitcher on this team to ever throw a no-hitter despite many phenomenal starters coming through. By himself, Tom Seaver had a few close calls.
I wouldn’t bet on a Mets pitcher tossing a no-hitter in 2021. It takes a low pitch count, a few lucky bounces, and a Mike Baxter play in the outfield to keep those intact.
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If ever there was a season for it to happen, 2021 feels right. Pitchers are running amok on hitters. Nine innings of no hits feel possible. Let’s just hope it’s not against the Amazins.