NY Mets World Series teams ranked: Who was truly great and who got lucky?

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Infielder Ray Knight #22 of the New York Mets trots around the bases after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox during Game 7 of the 1986 World Series October 27, 1986 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets won the Series 4 games to 3. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Infielder Ray Knight #22 of the New York Mets trots around the bases after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox during Game 7 of the 1986 World Series October 27, 1986 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets won the Series 4 games to 3. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets pitches against the Kansas City Royals during Game Three of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field on October 30, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

4) 2015 Mets

A team younger Mets fans adore, the 2015 squad has some similarities with the 1973 one. This team was not a powerhouse by any stretch. It wasn’t until late in the year when it became apparent they had a shot to win.

Trade deadline acquisitions of Yoenis Cespedes and several relief pitchers put them in prime position to go far. Add in their elite-level starting pitching, it’s clear why the 2015 Mets were able to go as far as they did.

None of the regular season numbers from the offense are stupendous. Only what Cespedes did in the final two months are somewhat jaw-dropping and even those overall statistics are only home run-heavy. If anything, Cespedes was more clutch and able to turn the mindset of the team around.

The pitching, on the other hand, remains one of the best group of starters we have seen. Highlighting the efforts were Jacob deGrom (14-8, 2.54 ERA), Matt Harvey (13-8, 2.71 ERA), and Noah Syndergaard (9-7, 3.24 ERA). Even Steven Matz (4-0, 2.27 ERA) put together a memorable season, albeit, a much shorter one because of the time when he did eventually get called up.

A little lost in the 2015 season, the Mets also received 14 wins and a 4.16 ERA from their team leader in innings pitched, Bartolo Colon. Jon Niese added 9 more victories and pitched to a 4.13 ERA.

There was a lot to like about the 2015 Mets, however, much of the magic didn’t begin until the final three months, including October. Their trip to the World Series was well-deserved, but three other pennant winners were better.

The team would go on to lose to the Kansas City Royals in the World Series in part because of some huge mistakes on the mound and in the field. Many hoped this was the beginning of several trips to the World Series. Unfortunately, the team hasn’t won a playoff game since.

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