See where the New York Mets are in MLB’s early 2020 power rankings

Aug 21, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pinch hitter Luis Guillorme (13) reaches after hitting an RBI double against the Cleveland Indians in the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

MLB.com recently released its early 2020 power rankings. The New York Yankees lead the pack, with the Los Angeles Dodgers second and the Houston Astros third. Where are the New York Mets? Well, they aren’t exactly in the top five. They aren’t even in the top ten.

The Mets check in at number 18 in the rankings. At first glance, they seem low. Yes, their offseason hasn’t been the busiest one, but they shored up their rotation with Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello and added a game-changing reliever in Dellin Betances.

Of course, the rest of the league also made their moves, so in the end, it’s not that surprising that a few clubs leapfrogged the Mets.

Here is the top 20:

  1. Yankees (ranked No. 3 on MLB.com’s final 2019 regular season list)
  2. Dodgers (2)
  3. Astros (1)
  4. Twins (4)
  5. Rays (7)
  6. Braves (6)
  7. Nationals (8)
  8. Cardinals (9)
  9. A’s (5)
  10. Phillies (16)
  11. D-backs (12)
  12. Cubs (13)
  13. Reds (18)
  14. Indians (11)
  15. Brewers (10)
  16. Red Sox (14)
  17. White Sox (NR)
  18. Mets (15)
  19. Angels (NR)
  20. Rangers (NR)

Bounceback ability will dictate Mets’ destiny

Of the teams ranked higher than the Mets, the Queens’ squad looks at least as good, if not better, than the Chicago White Sox, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Arizona D-backs. One could argue that they can easily compete with the Cardinals, too.

This is just a predictive exercise, though. If you are a Mets’ fan, don’t be alarmed by the rankings: the team is competitive.

Besides, much of the analysis and rationale has to do with each team’s improvements roster-wise. The New York Mets didn’t add much, but they are counting on several players to have bounceback campaigns.

Among those players are Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia, Rick Porcello, Michael Wacha and Wilson Ramos. They are counting on health for Dellin Betances and Brandon Nimmo, for example. Most of those players are talented enough to rebound, but the Mets need them to do so.

If some of them do, as expected, improve their 2019 performance, then the Mets can leapfrog at least ten teams in the list.