With so much hype surrounding the likes of the Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets appear to be, on paper, the fourth best team in the National League East this season.
While the lack of team success might frustrate their fans, fantasy baseball owners will simply hope that their players will produce. There might not be top-end talent on this roster, but there will be plenty of Metsselected in your local league. Here’s a look at three of the very best.
David Wright
The face of the franchise is still the best fantasy option out there fornow when it comes to players on the Mets. He will lead them offensively,
even if he might see a decrease in RBI and run totals due to the talentaround him.
In 2012, Wright got off to a solid start, but his second-half was mostly disappointing. He was still able to finish with a .306 batting average with 21 home runs, 93 RBI and 15 stolen bases. None of those numbers particularly jump out fantasy-wise, but at the same time he is solid all-around.
One negative for Wright is that he still strikes out way too much. However, he is still just 30 years old and appears to be healthy so far in Spring Training this season. He is a top 20 talent in baseball, and most likely the best option outside of Miguel Cabrera at third base this season.
Ike Davis
A season ago, Ike Davis was nothing more than a power hitter in the eyes of most fantasy owner. That slugger did hit 32 home runs and drive in 90 runs, but his .227 average (which was at .201 at the All-Star break) scared a lot of people.
However, he has since admitted that he spent most of 2012 battling symptoms from Valley Fever. Now healthy and just 26 years old, the first baseman could be poised for his best fantasy season yet.
Barring a huge change, Davis is never going to be a marquee talent at the MLB level. However, he is a solid choice in the middle rounds of a draft. He will be one of the first 100 players drafted overall in most leagues, and whether he starts or sits the bench at first base on teams this year depends on how deep the league is. Right now, he is projected to be around the 10th-15th best option there.
Matt Harvey
Most people probably have Jonathan Niese rated slightly higher, but Matt Harvey is a solid option to consider this season. He is ready for his first full season at the highest level, and he was great enough in his limited time last year that he should be trusted with a middle to late round pick.
Harvey’s 3-5 record last year doesn’t turn a lot of heads, but his 2.73 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 70 strikeouts and 26 walks in just under 60 innings certainly does. He was just as dominant in the minor leagues too, which bodes well for the future.
Without R.A. Dickey gone and Johan Santana slowing down, the Mets are looking for that ace to rely on. Harvey could step right in and be that good. He will only get better as well. He is definitely worth a late pick, and he could very well be the best pitcher for the Mets in 2013.
