New York Mets-olutions

2017, a year most Mets fans are probably more than ready to leave behind, is officially over. Traditionally, along with the ball dropping in Times Square, clinking champagne glasses, and fireworks come New Year’s resolutions. Research shows that fewer than 10% of people manage to actually keep their resolutions. But here are some ways the Mets are setting an example for some of the more common New Year’s resolutions.

Lose weight/eat healthier

No resolution is more commonly made (and broken) than vowing to lose weight and eat healthier. Mets first baseman Dominic Smith has struggled with his weight throughout his professional career. Before the 2017 season, he slimmed down considerably, coming into camp more than 20 pounds lighter. He cited dietary changes and living with a trainer in Fresno to really take his exercise routine up a notch as the main drivers behind his weight loss.

Unfortunately, he put the weight back on in Las Vegas during the season. But after news surfaced that Sandy Alderson was exploring alternative options at first base, Smith redoubled his commitment to trimming down again this offseason. “This is something I want to get under control and never make an issue again,” Smith said. “I would rather go through this at 22 than go through this in my prime.”

His efforts seem to have been effective so far; Smith has lost over 10 pounds since the offseason started. Unlike your average resolutioner, Smith has virtually unlimited access to healthy foods and professional trainers and nutritionists. Hopefully that means he will be more successful at keeping the weight off than most come spring.

Exercise more

It’s no secret that injuries plagued the Mets in 2017. Their injury woes resulted in the departure of head trainer Ray Ramirez, as well as criticisms of strength and conditioning coach, Mike Barwis’ methods. However, the Mets have decided to stick with Barwis. Despite that decision, both Noah Syndergaard and Yoenis Cespedes have indicated that they will be making changes to their workout routines this offseason, with less emphasis on bulking up.

Amed Rosario is looking plenty bulky, though.

Some Mets players are also making changes to their techniques to improve their game for 2018. Hansel Robles took some pointers from Pedro Martinez in his native Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile, Juan Lagares has been working with J.D. Martinez’s hitting coach, Craig Wallenbrock to tweak his swing in an effort to raise his launch angle and improve his offensive abilities in 2018.

Noah Syndergaard has been posting a lot about his new and improved offseason workout regimen and seems like he’s ready and raring to go for 2018.

Maybe all of this renewed focus will mean that he’ll bury the hatchet with Mr. Met and let bygones be bygones in the New Year.

Yikes...never mind, then.

Try a new hobby or career path

Many use the New Year as an excuse to explore a new interest or try something new in their career. Mickey Callaway is certainly starting a new chapter with his first managerial job with the Mets.

We wish him the best of luck in his first season as manager.

Mickey Callaway isn’t the only one exploring new careers. Jerry Blevins recently tried his hand at being a beat reporter.

Maybe stick to pitching, Jerry.

Trying out new hobbies usually involves getting your creative juices flowing. Jerry Blevins teamed up with Kevin Plawecki to pitch some ideas for some new promotions in 2018.

Wishing you success in all of your new endeavors in 2018.

Spend more time with family/loved ones

Sometimes a new year can mean a new stage in life. This seemed to be true for a lot of Mets players this offseason. There have been a lot of weddings. And I mean a lot of weddings.

Steven Matz tied the knot.

So did Brandon Nimmo.

And Travis d’Arnaud.

And Paul Sewald.

Some Mets got engaged too! Here’s Seth Lugo proposing to his girlfriend.

Even the minor leaguers were following the trend. Matt Reynolds also proposed to his girlfriend.

And knuckleballer Mickey Jannis said, “I do.”

And the latest bit of news came just this week, when Jerry Blevins announced that he is going to be a dad!

Congratulations to all of you Mets lovebirds starting new chapters in 2018!

Spend less money

A lot of people will resolve to be more fiscally responsible in the coming year. To the chagrin of Mets fans, it seems that the Wilpons have fully embraced this sentiment by indicating that payroll will be slashed in 2018.

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

However, many Mets fans have decided to use the power of their pursestrings to their advantage as well, which brings me to the next resolution.

Stand for a cause

The holiday season is often a time when people commit themselves to causes they care about, whether that’s making charitable donations, spending time volunteering, or speaking out on issues that matter to you.

The gathering storm of discontent among the fanbase seems to have reached a boiling point this offseason and there is a subset of Mets fans organizing a formal boycott of the team.

Not everyone is on board with the boycott, however. The 7 Line wrote a response to calls to boycott on their blog.

Regardless of how fans choose to vent their frustrations, it is clear that the Mets have one of the most passionate and awesome fanbases in baseball and I have a feeling that isn’t going to change in 2018.

Many Mets players have channeled their passion into charity work this offseason. On Thanksgiving, Wilmer Flores delivered turkeys to families in need.

And Dominic Smith and Amed Rosario made some kids’ dreams come true at the Mets Holiday Shopping Spree.

I feel that holiday spirit!

Change your look

“New year, new me” is a mantra we often hear this time of year. For some, that means changing your look. A couple of famously long-haired Mets pitchers decided to do just that this off-season and lose their luscious locks.

Kevin McGowen is sporting a new short do.

Jacob deGrom’s haircut nearly broke the internet.

Please ignore that muffled sobbing noise you’re hearing. That’s just me. It’s fine. I’m fine.

Happy 2018, Mets fans! Here’s hoping this year brings more joy than 2017.