Going into a season where expectations are higher than they’ve been in half a decade, there’s certainly added pressure at every level of the organization.
That leaves the question; which player has the most pressure to perform?
There’s certainly no lack of candidates as the Mets roster is packed with players who are seen as boom or bust candidates.
Many people believe the Mets’ season hinges on the performance of David Wright. Following a 2014 campaign that left much to be desired in terms of both playing time and performance, the Mets captain needs to bounce back in 2015. If Wright has another disappointing season fans will start to question the face of their franchise and his 137.5 million dollar contract.
Coming offhis Tommy John surgery 16 months ago Matt Harvey is generating more and more excitement with each passing day. Fans are expecting Harvey to step in and immediately be the savior of the franchise. History has shown however, that pitchers coming off of Tommy John often take time find their groove. Fans expecting “The Dark Knight” to put up Cy Young numbers should pull back their lofty expectations. Regardless, having “Harvey Day” back in Flushing this summer is an exciting prospect.
In each of the past two off-seasons the Mets have signed a veteran outfielder to bolster their lineup, Curtis Granderson and Michael Cuddyer. Fans are expecting big things from their corner outfielders in 2015, but some aren’t confident that these expectations will ultimately be met.
Granderson’s first season in Queens had its ups and downs but most weren’t satisfied with 33-year-old’s .227/20/66 line at season’s end. Some of Granderson’s best years took place in the Bronx under hitting coach Kevin Long whom the Mets brought in this winter to fill the same role. With the addition of Long to the coaching staff there is certainly reason for fans to be optimistic about Granderson’s 2015 campaign.
2015 will be Michael Cuddyer’s first year with the Mets, and entering his age 36 season it’s fair to question how much he has left in the tank. Two seasons ago Cuddyer batted .331 with 20 home runs and 84 RBI, if his performance this year is anywhere close to that management and fans alike would be ecstatic. What fans fear however, is a repeat of his 2014 campaign where he was limited to only 49 games due to hamstring and shoulder injuries. Many executives recently cited Cuddyer’s two year $21 million dollar deal as one of the worst of the offseason. However, if Cuddyer can stay healthy the deal may end up going down as a steal for Sandy Alderson and the Mets.
It’s safe to say that in a season where fans are expecting the Mets to contend for a playoff spot every player on the roster has some level of pressure on them.
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