3 biggest musts for the Mets to have any chance at winning the 2022 World Series

New year, not the same old New York Mets. At least this is the hope for anyone whose baseball fandom lives in Queens.

The Mets haven’t had a full offseason to fully rebuild the team and point themselves in the direction they want. MLB’s lockout has put a stop to any further action but there’s no doubt they have already begun the process.

With World Series aspirations in the coming season, there are three absolute musts for the team in order to get to the stage of planning a parade route. Take away any of these, Mets fans may have their Octobers free once again.

The Mets need Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer to stay healthy

The duo of Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer at the front of the club’s starting rotation should have you staying awake at night with excitement. Their combined five Cy Young Awards and lack of signs that either is on the decline is enough to have fans excited about what lies ahead for this team.

Unfortunately, unforeseen injuries can make those plans go astray very quickly.

deGrom missed about half of the 2021 season and the Mets suffered because of it. Getting him back for a full season is necessary. They can survive him missing a few starts. More than just a handful, though, can completely tank the year if they’re not getting much else from their starters.

Scherzer will provide the Mets with more than deGrom insurance. Another one of baseball’s true aces, he’ll need to also stay on the field and take the mound every fifth day.

The rotation does have a few wild cards in it. Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker have pitched well before, but after last year, there are reasons to doubt them. The other spot in the rotation is up in the air with the club possibly looking to add someone from outside of the organization. Everyone else should be viewed as nothing more than a depth piece.

deGrom and Scherzer are key for the Mets to win the World Series. In particular, each will need to be ready to go for the postseason. Losing even one of them could put the team at a huge disadvantage.

An average season from Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor completely changes the offense

An average season from Francisco Lindor would include a .278/.343/.478 slash line, 28 home runs, 85 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and Gold Glove-caliber defense. At least this is what he has averaged per 162 games in his seven big league seasons.

Lindor wasn’t close to his average self during the 2021 season. He finished with a .230/.322/.412 slash line, 20 home runs, 63 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and Gold Glove-caliber defense.

According to Meatloaf, two out of three ain’t bad. What does he think about one out of five?

Lindor did finish last season well with a .257/.346/.549 slash line in September/October. It was his most powerful month, too. He blasted 9 home runs (including 3 against the New York Yankees in one night) and added 25 RBI. The home run and RBI total were equal to or greater than the combination of any other month from his 2021 season.

The Mets can conceivably still win it all even if Lindor comes up shy to these averages from his career. Even a horrific season from him is possible to overcome if a lot of things swing their way. He is, after all, just one man.

It’s still hard to see the Mets landing in the Promised Land with Lindor limping there with them. At the very least, he needs to be closer to his own average performance. Otherwise, he may get a visit from the Boos of Citi Field Past.