Every year as the season is completed and a new one looms, there is much speculation on what can be done to improve the weaknesses that prohibited the prior team from winning it all. As the off-season evolves into the spring training season, the players begin showing their improvements and speculation turns to who will fill out the roster. By the end of the spring, the predictions begin and we all weigh in on the projected destiny of the club.
2026 was the fiftieth year that we (at least those of us old enough to experience the ’86 series) have lamented that we just didn’t have enough to get it done. Now we tentatively move into 2027, the season that might be cut short by CBA negotiations. Inevitably, there will be some kind of agreement because neither the owners nor the players can afford to let an entire season pass by without a ticket being sold. Let’s assume that a shortened season is the outcome.
The open question today is, “What will it take for the Mets to compete for a short season championship”?
Before answering, consider some facts:
• The current teams playing in the 2026 playoffs are winning with the long ball. All teams with the lowest HR totals have been eliminated except for the Cleveland Guardians who are hanging on by a thread.
• Run prevention got teams to the playoffs. Seven of the top eight teams ranked by ERA made the playoffs. That same ranking applied for runs allowed, so unearned runs did not impact the playoff teams.
• Batting average was not a reliable indicator for playoff teams. Of the top eight team batting averages, four (Rockies, Pirates, Marlins, and Royals) did not make the post-season.
• Speed also did not drive the season outcome. Washington had the most stolen bases and both the Marlins and the Pirates were in the top eight.
So now let’s hear from you:
Can the Mets compete for a title without a top power hitter or do they have to spend big to acquire one?
Can the Mets turn the tables on “run prevention” by bolstering their pitching with a marquee starter and closer?
Does a short season favor pitching rich teams by creating less wear and tear?
Leave it to the Mets to go on a magical run in a strike shortened season and then people would never respect the run because of it.
ReplyDeleteIf runs are the answer than making sure every position that is manned is being
ReplyDeletedone so with a quality bat
This starts with Bichette but since a half a season means prospects will have 2027 playing time under their belt, some of them might be ready
Lastly, try to solve the chronic DH problem on this team
Amen!
DeleteI am waiting for Amick and Rojas to add power. Otherwise, I am good blending in prospects Voit and Pitre during 2027.
ReplyDeleteOh, and there are now TWO NY teams playing October baseball. Yanks got broomed.
ReplyDeleteno I think pitching is the more important aspect of what you wrote.. if Bichette leaves Try and get a salary dump like a Machado, Harper, Tatis or even Devers (with a salary dump going back their way or some money coming our way). To increase the offense, but let the rookies fill out the rest.
ReplyDeleteNot likely that any other owner would send Steve Cohen money. Like the aspiration, though.
DeletePaul, your analysis of the landscape around baseball is pretty eye-opening. Watching the Brewers and the Rays, I’d expect small ball to rule but I realize their stars play like stars, and it took them awhile to put all the pieces together. If Bichette opts in, then signing Skubal makes more sense since the lineup is ready for the moment. If Bichette opts out and you are bringing up prospects for third base and probably second base, how much can Skubal help when your entire infield is a question mark?
ReplyDeleteIs Don Clendenon still around?
ReplyDeleteDonn was great, outside of Forbes Field. Most RBIs per at bat in a single Mets season (97 in 400 AB in 1970
DeleteWhile driving to play golf today, listening to WFAN and discussion of Yankee's defeat when I heard Evans Roberts reporting on research he has done to wit: that no team in the American League has won a pennant in the past 12 years if they have also not been in the lowest 50% (and often much much better) of strikeouts. More important apparently even than HRs. i believe we need more power, preferably widely distributed, but we need much more bat to ball skills, especially if our formula for winning is excellent pitching, defense and speed.
ReplyDeleteI'm of two minds on Bichette. He is a very good hitter; not a great one. He has limited speed, modest power and is an adequate defender and a very good teammate who hits well in the clutch.. Historically speaking. He is being paid far above his level of performance. But he makes us more competitive next year over Rojas.
ReplyDeleteI'd like ro see the major investments made in pitching:
The answer frankly is what the owner is prepared to spend, as he has a variety of different kinds of expenses in front of him: Addition by subtraction: Semien, Polanco, Vientos (ow cost relatively), that together will bring back almost nothing and HIGH COST for removal. Like having to pay the Mafia to pick upyour garbage. Relatively expensive pitching acquisitions. Highest cost would be for Ace like Skubal; second highest for my favorite from last year Michael King; Trade costs in terms of prospects and then extensions for Seattle's best or Deitmers. And then an innings eater. Bullpen help: one at the back to join Williams and maybe Senga , preferably a lefty. And because there is a lot of youth among the starters, a multi inning stop the bleeding reliever in addition to one or two upgrades on rest of bullpen which could be drawn from our availabe talent pool. A 2nd baseman from our pool; a 1B platoon depending on how much you believe in Young; not likely to be too expensive, but no one is ready in the minors yet. DH, are we serious about it or not; Bench improvement.
ReplyDeleteLots of holes, lots of money. Can we absorb it all next year, much of which we would need to to become compettive. I can't speak for Cohen but I would do it because we are really only talking about his major investment in 2027. After that Bichette is likely off the books, as is Senga, Manaea, one of the power bats should be ready at 1B, the outfiedl remains intact, and Lindor question opens up. So It's definitely doable. though it is painful that so much of the money will be spent to rid back contracts.