NY Mets: 3 offseason predictions from 3 different fans

3 of 3

Sep 13, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman J.D. Davis (28) hits a single during the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Rivera makes his offseason Mets predictions

So far we haven’t seen the Mets make any huge splashes outside of the organization via free agency. I’m shocked to see Kris Bryant’s name void from the first two predictors. Will Rising Apple’s Anthony Rivera have different thoughts about the 2016 NL MVP?

Mets Sign:
Noah Syndergaard QO
Aaron Loup
Javier Baez
Chris Taylor
Anthony DeSclafani
Robbie Ray

This is quite the free agent class. Along with bringing back Thor on the qualifying offer, Rivera is predicting the team also signs Anthony DeSclafani and Robbie Ray—two of the biggest surprise pitchers of the 2021 season.

It raises one pretty important question for me: where do all of these starting pitchers fit in?

Already under contract, the Mets have Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, and Taijuan Walker. Does Rivera see one of the latter two ending up in a relief role? Or maybe one becomes a trade target of his?

I know a lot of Mets fans are beginning to lust for Chris Taylor but I’m not so sure I see the fit. Unless you part with Jeff McNeil, I have a tough time seeing where he plays regularly. Taylor could get more playing time (probably money, too) signing with another club.

Mets Trade For:
Mitch Haniger

Rivera is expecting a stacked Mets team in 2022. A trade with the Seattle Mariners for Mitch Haniger could help salvage the need for outfield power. He would replace Michael Conforto in right field.

The one downside to Haniger is he becomes a free agent after the 2022 season. He’s a one-year rental, and coming off such an amazing year, probably expensive. Fortunately, Rivera does have an eye for at least two players it could cost the Mets in order to acquire him.

Mets Trade Away:
J.D. Davis
Mark Vientos

Finally, we get to the trade pieces. J.D. Davis and Mark Vientos might be a good pair to head to Seattle for Haniger although I’m not so sure the former has much value at all in this kind of deal. Because Vientos is close to the big leagues, he’s certainly one of the franchise’s top trade targets this winter.

The Takeaway

Despite finishing 77-85, the same record they had in 2018 when they were trade deadline sellers and were out of contention by mid-June, there is optimism among Mets fans. We saw a mix of it from these three. All are convinced the Syndergaard saga goes on and Baez remains in Flushing. Each is also pretty certain Davis will be traded, as they should be.

Because it is way too early to have a good grasp whatsoever on what lies ahead for this franchise, getting any of these predictions right, particularly with non-2021 Mets, should count for something.

Next. Bare minimum for a perfect Mets offseason

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As for Bryant, I remain stunned that none of these three made a bold enough prediction to see him come to New York. They don’t think he’s Philly bound to reunite with childhood friend Bryce Harper, do they?

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