NY Mets: 2022 must be the year of playoff contention

The New York Mets have seen too many disappointing seasons finish before their eyes; here’s why the team really needs to reach the playoffs in 2022.

1. New ownership results in higher expectations

It’s a now or never scenario for the Mets, and for Steve Cohen, who inherited quite a mess from Fred and Jeff Wilpon.

What can be said of Cohen is, he’s not afraid to throw big bucks around in free agency, he’s made some splashes, with notable signing being Ace Max Scherzer. While Javier Baez was likely asking for more than the Mets were willing to offer, the team made several other moves that turned heads, with note to be taken that there are currently two shortstops in the farm system that have been highly appraised.

2. The fans are growing desperate.

Long time season ticket holders may opt not to renew their season tickets if the team fails to reach the playoffs after so many highly touted moves. It’s plain obvious that the fans have passionately expressed their concerns about what the team needs to do, and one of those concerns is how the team goes on a hot streak every season around June and cools off in September. Perhaps I could be wrong, but maybe it’s best to realize that you can’t get ahead of yourself as a player or manager and think that the season is all but secured and slack off. The game of baseball can take a sharp turn downhill and catch you sleeping.

3. The players won’t want to play for mediocrity

Who knows, some key pieces may choose to play for a contender. No one likes to be in an atmosphere where growth is not an option. A toxic front office is also a reason many players choose to part ways, and makes other teams’ staff uneasy about joining an organization of poor professional ethics. It goes a long way to say how no one wanted the Mets POBO job this off-season, and everyone seemed to want nothing to do with the team.

I for one know that winning must be a priority, and consistency is most certainly the key.