Coming off an unsuccessful pitchers’ duel with the San Francisco Giants in the NL wild-card game, the Mets have a lot to work on as they prepare for next season.
Manager Terry Collins, general manager Sandy Alderson and the front office must stay on top of their game in order to put the best Mets team on the field next year. Here are three priorities for the Kings of Queens over the offseason.
Don’t go, Yo
Fans rejoiced when the Mets announced they re-signed Yoenis Céspedes to a three-year deal in January, but the All-Star seems likely to opt out of the remaining two years and become a free agent.
Céspedes is crucial to the Mets’ lineup, as he led the team this season in home runs (31) and RBIs (86). The Mets must do what it takes to keep the left fielder in blue and orange.
Who stays? Who goes?
With nine additional free agents on the roster, the Amazin’s have some decisions to make.
The list includes Neil Walker, Kelly Johnson and Bartolo Colon, who will turn 44 next season. The 2015 NL Champions must closely consider who is worthy of a new contract and how much their payroll can dish out for the pending deals.
Get healthy
Injuries ravaged the Mets throughout the season. Several starting pitchers, including Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey, had their seasons cut short. The same can be said of captain David Wright, who is recovering from neck surgery. Zack Wheeler has not thrown a pitch for the Mets since 2014, and is still recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The team needs their shining starting five ready to go in April.
