Another postseason as bystanders has come to an end for the Mets, and now their focus turns to trying to avoid missing the playoffs for an eighth straight season in 2014.
Terry Collins was given a two-year extension before the end of the season, but with few sure things on the roster and Matt Harvey out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the Mets will have to get considerably better — and lucky — to end the streak.
They will face an uphill battle. On Tuesday, COO Jeff Wilpon accurately pointed out the team had “definite deficiencies” and there don’t seem to be many easy fixes for a team that has only David Wright and Jon Niese signed to long-term deals.
Innings eater
With the loss of Harvey, the Mets may have to find a pair of starters to join Niese, Dillon Gee and Zack Wheeler in the rotation. If they don’t want to rely solely on retreads such as Daisuke Matsuzaka and Aaron Harang or an untested arm such as Rafael Montero, the Mets could go the free-agent route. Bronson Arroyo is an option, and Phil Hughes, coming off an ugly final year in The Bronx, may be a better fit for spacious Citi Field should he not decide to get a complete change of scenery outside of New York.
In the pen, LaTroy Hawkins — who took over as closer following Bobby Parnell’s season-ending surgery — will be a free agent.
The Juan and only
Juan Lagares, who had a breakout season — at least defensively — in center field, appears to be the only obvious choice in the outfield. This is an area where the Mets could prove general manager Sandy Alderson really has no strict financial restraints, as Wilpon has indicated.
If Curtis Granderson leaves the Yankees, he could opt to go across town. Nelson Cruz, who served a 50-game Biogenesis suspension with the Rangers down the stretch, may be a fit. Shin-Soo Choo, a Scott Boras client who is among the top free agents available, is intriguing. The Mets were in the running for another Boras client last year, Michael Bourn, before he ended up in Cleveland.
Who’s on first?
Wilpon said the Mets have as many as five possible first basemen and they need to clear up the logjam. Lucas Duda and Ike Davis are the primary candidates to start there next season. Both players have shown plenty of power — and an inability to stay healthy or consistent at the plate.
Second baseman Daniel Murphy is another possibility at first, though he could also be used as trade bait. The Mets likely will use the early part of the offseason to gauge what they can get in return for some of their moveable assets.
Trying to catch a break
Travis d’Arnaud is still largely an unknown. Acquired last offseason as part of a trade package for R.A. Dickey, the 24-year-old catcher had trouble with a foot injury and then struggled offensively when he finally got to the majors in mid-August, compiling a .548 OPS in 112 plate appearances.
The Mets will need to decide whether to pursue a backup for d’Arnaud or a regular with more experience if they fear d’Arnaud is not up to the task of being a full-time starter behind the plate.
A short answer
With Ruben Tejada coming off a disastrous 2013 season that included a fractured leg, the Mets could look to add a significant piece at shortstop. Free agents Jhonny Peralta and Stephen Drew are potential options.