This offseason, Brodie Van Wagenen and the Mets were one of the most active teams. They added many big pieces, like Robinson Cano, and some underrated depth pieces, such as J.D. Davis. The Mets just might be one of the most improved clubs in baseball.
However, will still certainly face a tough test in what figures to be a very competitive National League East. That test begins this afternoon with an Opening Day matchup with the Washington Nationals.
First DeGrom Day of the Year
Fresh off of his five year contract extension, Jacob deGrom will take the mound for what will be his first career Opening Day start. The righty is coming off a historic 2018 season. Despite recording just ten wins, he posted a 1.70 ERA and took home the National League Cy Young award.
It will be interesting to see how he will follow up those lofty expectations. At 30 years old, expect deGrom to continue to solidifying himself as one of the top starters in the game.
The quest for back-to-back Cy Young’s begins this afternoon against young super star Juan Soto and the Nats. In his career, deGrom is 7-4 with a 2.65 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts in 15 starts against Washington.
Welcome to the Show Rookie
Like the Padres and White Sox, the Mets pushed service time to the side this season. Rookie Pete Alonso made the roster out of camp, and he will make his big league debut this afternoon against none other than Max Scherzer.
Alonso is coming off an incredible season in which he led the minors with 36 home runs and picked up 119 RBI. He continued that success with a stellar Spring Training, posting five doubles, four home runs, and a 1.041 OPS.
The kid flat out earned the job out of camp, with his offensive prowess and defensive improvements. It will be interesting to see if he can carry this success into the regular season.
Improved Bullpen
This offseason, Brodie Van Wagenen went out and completely revamped the Mets bullpen. This unit was one of the worst in baseball last season.
The additions of Edwin Diaz, Justin Wilson, and Luis Avilan, as well as the return of Jeurys Familia will certainly will them move in the right direction. Not to mention, both Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman have thrived since moving into the pen.
This is easily the top units in the division, and certainly one of the best in the game this year. It will be very interesting to watch how this group can turn things around behind the Mets starters in 2019.
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