Sports fans all across the country are desperately in need of some type of sports. It seems like the NHL and NBA have found ways to slide back into the thick of things, while the MLB can not seem to come to terms on if there will be a season or not. However, if the Mets do take to the diamond this season, here are five players to keep an eye out on:
Edwin Diaz
After being acquired in free agency before the start of the 2019 season, he was one of the most dominant closers in all of the major leagues. He along with Robinson Cano, who was also picked up from Seattle had big expectations going into last season.
Edwin, despite having 26 saves on the season, had a down year in his first season in the big apple. He blew a dozen saves, and many believe he was not fit for the bright lights of NYC. He is the anchor in the bullpen, and his success could translate directly into wins or losses for the Metropolitans.
Marcus Stroman
Another player acquired by the Mets in 2019. This one was by trade, and right before the trade deadline. The deal caught much of baseball by surprise. The Blue Jays sent Stroman to the Mets for two top prospects. Stroman, an all-star pitcher, is an intriguing player to watch because he will be an unrestricted free agent come 2021. He is essentially pitching for the money. He came on strong at the end of the 2019 season.
Some believe that he could give Jacob deGrom a run for his money, and push for a Cy Young. Stroman’s calm, cool swagger on and off the field could help the Mets make a run for glory come late in the season.
Pete Alonso
In his rookie season, it is not easy putting up the numbers he put up, especially in NY. The list of accolades go on and on for the Polar Bear.
He led all Major League rookies in homeruns, games played, RBI’s, runs scored, walks, adn Wins Above Replacement. No one is doubting his offensive game, however some have their doubts about his game on the defensive side. You can tell he is working on improving his defensive game, so it should be interesting to see how he can fare over at 1B, and if he can put up more monstrous numbers in his sophomore campaign.
Dominic Smith
With Pete Alonso inserted into the lineup coupled with an injury that saw him out for most of the 2019 season.
Smith played first base when Alonso had the day off, and roamed the outfield on occasions. When he returned from injury on the last game of the season last year, he hit a walk off 3 run homerun.
Smith is an outgoing player with a great personality who the Mets need in their clubhouse. it will be interesting to see how first year manager Luis Rojas uses Smith.
Dellin Betances
The longtime New York Yankee, will now be pitching in the late innings for the Mets. Mostly brought in to solve the bullpen’s woes of last year. It was a little bit of a risk taken by Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen due to the injuries that have plagued Betances. If Betances can return to close to his top form while he was with the Yankees, it will no doubt be a steal for the Mets who are in desperate need of bullpen help.
Hopefully the season is right around the corner!
TheDyspatch 