Erik Bascome, Sports Editor
For the first time since 2006, the New York Mets look poised to make the postseason in what has been a phenomenal year for New York baseball. In Queens, the Mets have had a storybook season overcoming major injuries through improved play by their young talent and some key trade deadline acquisitions.
For New York Mets fans, 2015 has truly been the year they have been waiting for. The young and talented pitching staff that the team has been developing for years has finally come to fruition. The front office showed the fans that they were “all in” at the trade deadline by acquiring key pieces Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson, Tyler Clippard, and of course, Yoenis Cespedes.
The Mets’ young star pitchers, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, and Noah Syndergaard have all made huge strides this season. The “Dark Knight”, Matt Harvey, has returned to Gotham after missing over a year recovering from Tommy John surgery. Since his return, Harvey has reclaimed his once dominant form, and perhaps more importantly, has managed to stay healthy all year. Harvey is 12-7 this season with a 2.88 ERA and has been everything the Mets could have hoped for in 2015.
Meanwhile, reigning National League Rookie of the Year, Jacob deGrom, has improved on his performance from last season and solidified himself as one of the premier starters in the MLB. While his numbers are very impressive, 13-7 with a 2.40 ERA, the most memorable part of deGrom’s 2015 will likely be his outstanding All-Star Game performance that saw him strike out the side on just ten pitches.
Finally, there’s the Mets’ flame-throwing rookie, Noah Syndergaard, who has pitched very well this season making huge strides in his command and composure. At just 22 years old, Syndergaard has looked absolutely dominant at times this year and appears to have a very bright future ahead of him.
The Mets struggled mightily on offense in the first half of the season, but with the addition of some veteran players and the return of David Wright and Travis d’Arnaud, they have been one of the most potent offenses in the league since the trade deadline.
The acquisition of journeymen utility players, Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe, has given the Mets not only more potency but more versatility in their lineup. While neither of the two have put up huge numbers since joining the team, they have played excellent defense, provided some clutch hitting, and have been great personalities in the club house.
Of course, the biggest move made by the Mets this season, in the waning hours of deadline day, was the acquisition of super slugger, Yoenis Cespedes, from the Detroit Tigers. In 41 games since joining the team, Cespedes has put up unreal numbers hitting .309 with 17 homeruns and 42 RBIs. Cespedes has also proved to be a true five-tool player displaying excellent speed, incredible defensive play, and one of the best arms in the major leagues.
With only this season remaining on his contract, Mets fans are concerned that Cespedes may leave for greener pastures or a bigger paycheck in free agency this offseason. However, Cespedes has said he loves playing in New York, and the fans have shown him nothing but love and affection since his arrival. If the Mets can keep up this level of success and offer him just enough money, they may be able to lock up one of the premier outfielders in the MLB.
It’s been a truly “Amazin’” season for the New York Mets. The young stars have played well, the front office has committed to winning, and the veterans are playing crucial roles on the field and in the clubhouse. However, the hardest part has yet to come. Can the Mets keep it up down the stretch and make a serious playoff run?
You just gotta believe.
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