New York Mets: Why They're For Real In 2022

The New York Mets are off to a great start in 2022. They are now 10-4 and just won 3 out of 4 over the San Francisco Giants who won 107 games last season.

Sure, it’s early and there are still 148 games left. But looking at how the Mets have looked early, I believe this is not a fluke and here’s why.

Strong Starting Rotation

During the first 14 games, the Mets starting staff have produced the lowest ERA at barely over 2.00. And this is without the services of their ace Jacob deGrom.

Mets owner Steve Cohen upgraded the rotation with the signings of Chris Bassitt and another Cy Young winner ace in Max Scherzer. And the moves have paid off so far.

Bassitt has started off 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA, along with 20 strikeouts in 18 innings. Bassitt’s last outing was a tough one in which he surrendered 5 runs in 6 innings vs the Giants. But prior to that, Bassitt was nearly unhittable in his first two starts. In those two starts, he allowed only one run in 12 innings.

Scherzer has started out 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA. In his last start vs the Giants, Scherzer was his dominant self, allowing one run, one hit, and 10 Ks through 7 innings.

But it’s not just those two new acquisitions. The biggest surprise has been Tyler Megill. After an up and down rookie season in 2021, Megill has taken it to another notch so far in 2022. In three starts, he has started out 2-0 with a 2.20 ERA. He didn’t allow a run through his first 12 innings and has upped his fastball as high as 99 mph.

Carlos Carrasco, who had a rough 2021 in his first year in Queens, has revived himself so far this year. He is 1-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three starts. In his last start vs San Franisco, he went 7.2 innings, allowing two runs, no walks and 7 Ks. In 18.1 innings, Cookie Carrasco only gave up 3 runs.

Even without deGrom, the Mets still have a deep rotation. It showed when Tajuan Walker got injured in his first start. David Petersen filled in at relief and threw four shutout innings vs the Philadelphia Phillies. Then in his next outing in his first start, Petersen threw 4 more shutout innings vs the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Once again, the Mets rotation is doing this without deGrom who is considered the best pitcher in baseball when healthy. Jake is projected to come back in early June and with him, the Mets rotation will look even more dominant, especially with deGrom and Scherzer forming a 1-2 punch. That is certainly a handful for any opposing lineups.

Revamped Lineup

The Mets offense was one of the biggest reasons for their disappointing 2021 season. So far in 2022, the offense has rejuvenated all around. Biggest reason is bouncebacks from a couple of key hitters. Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil were two of the most disappointing hitters last season. So far this season, they’re off to great starts.

Lindor is currently hitting .308 and has slugged four home runs, which currently leads all Mets hitters. He has looked a lot more comfortable in his second year in New York after perhaps not quickly adjusting to NY in his first year there.

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McNeil is currently hitting .281 with a home run and 6 RBIs. Jeff only hit .251 last season. This season, he has looked more like himself at around the .300 mark.

Then of course is “Polar Bear” Pete Alonso who has already hit three home runs this season. The newly acquired Mets position players have also played a big part so far.

Starling Marte already has 11 RBIs and provides much needed speed with three stolen bases. Eduardo Escobar is hitting .318 with a home run. Finally Mark Canha is also off to a sizzling start, batting .379 and being an on base machine as expected.

Lost in the shuffle is the always consistent Brandon Nimmo who is currently hitting .314 with 2 home runs.

Proven Experienced Manager

New Mets manager Buck Showalter has been good as advertised. Not only the 10-4 record, but the impact he’s already brought. Buck brought more discipline and attention to detail to this current squad that badly needed those. He keeps everyone accountable and has brought a no nonsense approach.

Buck has also stuck to his players during games and the players feed off of his support. So far this season, the Mets hitters have been hit by pitches often.

After three hit by pitches on Opening Day, in the next game, Francisco Lindor got hit near the head. Buck had enough and went to the dugout in a rage. His players followed suit and both benches cleared.

Unlike last season, there seems to be more camaraderie in the clubhouse and Showalter is a big part of it. After a couple of inexperienced managers, the Mets needed a more experienced skipper, especially on this veteran squad. Buck has been the perfect man to right this ship.

Final Thoughts

We’ve seen this before with the Mets on good starts. Last season, the Mets were in first place in the National League East for 103 days but fell apart in August and September. In 2018, the Mets started out 11-1 but finished under .500 and no playoffs.

However, this season proves to be more different. unlike last season, the Mets have depth in their rotation. Which is why, they’re able to still succeed even without deGrom. Bassitt was an All-Star last season and Carrasco has always been consistent when healthy, which he wasn’t last year. Scherzer is Scherzer and Megill has taken a step up this season. When deGrom comes back, he will no doubt be a top notch pitcher again.

We know the bullpen has been up and down so far. But Edwin Diaz has come back to be a solid closer after a rough 2019 in his first year in Queens. If Lugo can find his form, he is still a formidable reliever. Lefty Chasen Shreve has done a good job replacing Aaron Loup and Trevor May will provide more good than bad moments.

The hitting has revitalized, especially Lindor, who is the elite shortstop he was in Cleveland. Biggest difference so far has been the consistent hitting with runners in scoring position unlike last year. Buck Showalter should deserve some credit for instilling more confidence in his lineup.

And to Showalter once again, he will keep the Mets focused all season, as he’s done wherever he’s been.

The 2022 Mets will be one of the best teams because of their strong deep rotation, more clutch hitting and a tough, old-school skipper leading the way.