PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – MARCH 27: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets warms up. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
What are the three biggest obstacles keeping the New York Mets from winning the World Series in 2022?
The New York Mets look about as close to unbeatable as any team in the National League. New York spent big over the offseason and it would appear as though the roster is as good, if not better, than any in the league.
The Mets added Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and Max Scherzer prior to the lockout. New York has an imposing lineup and an even more intimidating starting rotation. But, did Sandy Alderson and Billy Epler spend enough of Steve Cohen’s money to being a World Series title to Queens?
Cohen certainly hopes so, and the Mets fans are starved for a World Series Champion. New York hasn’t been to the Fall Classic since 2015 and hasn’t taken home the Commissioner’s Trophy since 1986. What holes might remain as the Mets look to bring a championship back to the Big Apple?
The Mets starting rotation must get healthy and stay healthy
Pitching wins championships, at least that’s what I’m told. The New York Mets, when healthy, have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. But Jacob deGrom is currently on the IL and has been sidelined since spring training with a stress reaction on his right scapula.
This isn’t the first time the two-time Cy Young Award-winner has been put on the shelf with injury. deGrom last pitched in July of last year before landing on the IL with both forearm and elbow issues. The Mets don’t expect to see deGrom back in the rotation until late-May at the absolute earliest.
It’s not as is the New York rotation is devoid of talent. The Mets have Max Scherzer, Carlos Carrasco, Tylor Megill, and Chris Bassitt. But Carrasco is 35 years old and hasn’t started more than 12 games the past two seasons.
Scherzer dealt with a hamstring injury earlier this spring and a groin injury saw the eight-time All-Star land on the IL last June. Bassitt spent some time on the Injured List as well, but that was due to line drive that hit the right-hander in the face. Tijuan Walker is currently on the IL as well.
The New York Mets starting pitching depth is impressive, but they’ve got to stay healthy throughout the season if the team has any hope of reaching the World Series in 2022.
