The New York Mets’ 2016 season came to an abrupt and early end. Many could argue that it was a little sooner than it should’ve been. Based on their final few months though, it was sadly somewhat expected. This fall, New Yorkers didn’t know if it would be raining runs or drier than a desert at Citi Field. The inconsistencies grew and grew and the deadline additions never truly panned out. However, its official (according to the odds), one year later the Mets will still be considered among the best in the bigs.
While preaching the Mets continued dominance, the odds makers also don’t believe that a World Series hangover will kick in for Chicago. The Cubs are still favored to repeat at +325 despite now having one less month of training time for the 2017 season. New York, on the other hand, are gearing up. They’ve managed to hang on to Jay Bruce and Jose Reyes – two key offensive pieces – and they’re not done yet.
The twist in the Mets offseason will be the decision of Yoenis Cespedes. It was well speculated that he was going to opt out of his contract last week and he followed through. The team hasn’t given up on him yet though. They quickly sent a qualifying offer his way to help keep his bat and glove at Citi. In fact, sportsbook review site Sportbook Nation puts the Mets at +1,000 with Cespedes in the lineup. Should he decide to bolt, mind you, you can expect that number to change rather quickly.
The outfielder hasn’t responded just yet to the latest New York offer, but there is a good chance that he decides to jump ship into the free agent pool. Should this happen, there are some quality utility outfielders, who may also be swimming in the same waters that could replace him.
Cubs’ centerfielder Dexter Fowler hasn’t resigned yet, even though he has been handed a qualifying offer. Jose Bautista could definitely replace Cespedes’ bat, even though his fielding is a little suspect. Colby Rasmus, out of Houston, has a good glove, 15 home runs last year and also did it for nearly $13 million dollars less. While other notable names Mark Trumbo, Brandon Moss, Ian Desmond and Austin Jackson could also be viable options.
So, while it is highly likely that the Mets’ futures odds will change, it’s good to see they remain among the Major League Baseball elite. Yoenis or No’enis, the Mets will still be a contender next season.
