Four months ago, everyone assumed the Mets would be contenders for at least a NL Wild Card.
Today, they're tearing down what was supposed to be a playoff team.
Last month, infielder Eduardo Escobar was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for prospects.
Thursday, during a rain delay, co-closer pro tempore (in the absence of Edwin Diaz) David Robertson was traded to Miami for prospects.
Tonight, co-ace Max Scherzer has been traded to Texas for Luisangel Acuna, the brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuna, Jr., a clear sign that owner Steve Cohen & embattled GM Billy Eppler have waved the white flag, convinced that the Mets won't make the playoffs at all.
Scherzer has shown signs that his career is winding down. He outpitched the Yankees' Domingo German in his last start on Tuesday, his last in a Met uniform. Injuries have also plagued his stint in Flushing, in addition to a 10 game suspension in April for a foreign substance violation. With the trade deadline at 4 pm (ET) on Tuesday, August 1, the Mets are not done just yet, with more rumors circulating.
The Mets, in their 2nd season under Buck Showalter, have underperformed. Whether it's injuries or inconsistent play, it became clear that the rest of the National League, and the American League, for that matter, were not going to let the Mets sneak up on them like they did last year. 101 wins right now is not going to happen.
The Mets thought they had an All-Star rotation after letting Jaccob deGrom sign with Texas. He's out for the season with Tommy John surgery. The Rangers are now getting a Scherzer on the back end of his career, but he has an opt-out after this season, and could return to New York under the right circumstances. I doubt that'll happen. Carlos "Cookie" Carrasco has gotten lit up more often than a fireworks show, and, as these words are being written, is already trailing Washington in just the 2nd inning. Jose Quintana, a major free agent signing, has struggled in 2 starts, and gotten tagged early in both starts against the White Sox & Yankees after coming off the injured list. Tylor Megill, a surprise last year, is in Syracuse trying to find his mojo.
Right now, the Mets are in 4th place in the NL East. They will not sink any lower if they can help it. The early injury plague, as usual, caused a psychological problem within the team, causing their lack of overall performance. The next man up mentality that carried them last year isn't there like it should.
But did they give up too soon? Until tonight, I'd say yes. Now, not so much.
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