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Do the Mets really have a "win-now" mentality?



Rookie General Manager, Brodie Van Wagenen, stated at the beginning of the season that he was beyond ready to have the Mets return to the post season once again after having one of the most effective off seasons. Reigning Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom was locked up for 5 years, signed former All-Star UTIL Jed Lowrie, signed former Silver Slugger C Wilson Ramos, signed MLB-level veterans for minor league depth, and traded for 2018's top closer (Edwin Diaz) along with 8x All-Star, 5x Silver Slugger, and 2x Gold Glover Robinson Cano. With all these acquisitions, why are the Mets currently sitting in fourth place?

The Mets just wrapped up an 11-game road trip and posted a 3-8 record. They took game 2 from Atlanta, split the series in (NL) Chicago, and then finished the journey by being swept by Philadelphia. A major reason that the Mets only won 3/11 games was the bullpen, or lack thereof. If Owner Fred Wilpon, Van Wagenen, and Manager Mickey Callaway do have a win now mentality they should pursuing ACTUAL bullpen answers, not just band-aids.

The Mets traded for Wilmer Font from Tampa Bay on May 13th. In 11 games with 23.2 IP, Font has a record of 0-2 and a 4.94 ERA. More recently, the Mets acquired reliever, Brooks Pounders, from Cleveland. Pounders in 5 IP has a 9.00 ERA and a 1-0 record. While clearly the bullpen has been an issue since the start of the season, there were players available that should have been pursued on the Free Agency market. For example, Craig Kimbrel would have given the Mets a confidence boost that is MUCH needed. Now, Kimbrel is a member of the Chicago Cubs and recorded his first save in his first appearance.

Seeing such actions be taken by teams that have 'win-now' mentalities makes me question the true mentality in Flushing. If Van Wagenen was hired to get this team to the playoffs, why are they currently sitting in fourth place, 11 GB from Atlanta? Who truly deserves the blame for the disappointing first half of the season? The players, such as Edwin Diaz, who has blown his last 8 save opportunities? Possibly Manager Mickey Callaway who has managed the bullpen, batting order, and defensive positioning terribly? Or potentially GM Brodie Van Wagenen for his lack of signing key free agents when they were still available? But as always, do the Wilpons do deserve blame for their cheap options instead of opening their wallets and spending big bucks? Of course, this off-season we saw them spend more money than ever, but it obviously falls well short of the expectations that were brought to Mets fans prior to this season.

With all these facts presented and questions posed, time for the answer to the original question: No, the Mets do not have a "win-now" mentality.

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