New York Mets: Four bold predictions for the 2017 season

Every MLB season always has something “impossible” happen, and it’s more than likely that 2017 will be no exception for the New York Mets.

The New York Mets had a let down year in 2016, unable to live up to the expectations of the previous season’s World Series level of success.

While injuries played a huge role in preventing the Mets from reaching their full potential, with names like Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, David Wright and more hurt, they were still able to make the National League Wild Card game.

Heading into the 2017 season, everyone is reportedly healthy and ready to play, which could mean big things for the Amazins’. Fans will likely be able to witness the much talked about youthful rotation that they have been promised by management to see for years now.

2017 is a new year for the Mets, so here are four bold predictions for the upcoming season.

Rosario will hit the majors

Injuries won’t be as harsh in 2017, but the Mets will face adversity early, in having to deal with two tough losses. But they have just the solution for it.

For the first prediction, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and their longtime third baseman in Wright will suffer season-ending injuries.

While many fans will panic and feel the season has ended right then and there, general manager Sandy Anderson and manager Terry Collins have the solution to keep the Mets afloat.

Instead of looking towards the trade market, the Mets will take the risk of playing Jose Reyes at third for Wright and call up prospect shortstop Amed Rosario.

For fans who don’t know who Rosario is, the Mets deem him as untouchable trade-wise and a major part of the future of the franchise. The top tier prospect ranked by MLB experts has great speed, can hit for average and power and possesses an above average glove. Despite the Mets being hesitant to make the move, they will. And it will be the right choice.

Rosario will quickly become a crowd favorite by putting up stellar numbers, as the rookie will hit for a .275/.350/.445 line, along with 13 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 100 games played.

It will no doubt be an interesting combination with the old star shortstop Reyes playing right beside the future at short in Rosario.

As Rosario would say, though: Don’t be surprised, be ready.

Harvey will be an ace again

The next prediction will excite fans, as Harvey will bounce back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and win the National League Cy Young award and Comeback Player of the Year for a second time.

Harvey will return and sweep the baseball world off its feet, much like he did in 2013 when he first burst onto the scene. He was considered one of the brightest young pitchers in the game, but unfortunately, injuries have held the star back.

The “Dark Knight” will have a year that Mets fans haven’t seen since Dwight Gooden. Harvey will start 30 games and win 20 of them, but those wins won’t be the most impressive thing he does.

Harvey will post an ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP below 1.00, which will ultimately garner him the two aforementioned awards.

Not only will this put Harvey back on the huge contract radar, but this will improve his trade stock, forcing trade talks on the Mets who will need to consider moving the star for a huge haul if they feel they won’t be able to re-sign him after 2018.

The ghost of Nohan will bring a no hitter

The 2017 season will bring what fans almost experienced for a second time last season.

That’s right – someone on the Mets will toss a no hitter.

When Johan Santana pitched the franchise’s first no hitter back on June 1, 2012, it was arguably the best thing since the 1986 World Series win. Mets fans will get to relieve that experience, except it will come from one the Big Four.

Matz proved to fans last year he is more than capable of pitching a no hitter when he took one into the eighth inning, recording one out before all dreams were crushed by a hit up the first base line.

Even deGrom was close to immortality when he allowed just one hit to the Philadelphia Phillies, with that lone hit coming from the opposing pitcher.

Whether it comes from one of those two arms – or even Syndergaard or Harvey, who have the talent to do so – fans will relive the excitement of a no hitter this season.

A record for the record books

And finally, to cap off another 162-game year, the Mets will win 100 games in the regular season, while ultimately being able to capture a coveted World Series title.

The star-studded rotation will finally stay healthy all together and subsequently dominate opponents. And as the case has always been, the bats will provide just enough to win games.

Not only will the rotation carry the Mets, but Jeurys Familia will lock down during the playoffs and win MVP of the World Series.

This will finally be the time – 31 years later – that Flushing, Queens will see their Mets hoist a championship trophy again.