Mets in no rush to alter successful formula

Potentially dominant rotation, power-hungry lineup make NY real contender

February 9th, 2017

With Spring Training fast approaching, MLB.com will take a look at a different aspect of this year's Mets squad each day this week. Today's topic: What's the vision?
NEW YORK -- It is exceedingly rare for a team to do what the Mets did this offseason, returning all of their key free agents without adding any new names of note. The Mets were a playoff team in 2016. They are reporting to Spring Training in '17 with a near-identical roster.
There is a reason for that. Built around a core of hard-throwing starting pitchers and a power-centric offense, the Mets feel their window to compete for a World Series title is still as wide open as that of anyone in baseball.
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"Until you get to the World Series, you don't know how much fun it is," manager Terry Collins said. "This year, we're hungry, and I think that's going to show when we take the field in Spring Training. The energy is going to be back. The hunger is going to be back. And if we can keep those guys on the mound, we're going to be in good shape."

"Those guys" are , , Matt Harvey and , the latter three of whom are coming off surgeries. Add Zack Wheeler, and to the mix, and the Mets, if healthy, still boast one of the most formidable rotations in baseball.
Every club preparing for Spring Training with own vision
Their vision is to keep that group on the mound and keep scores low, allowing their homer-happy offense to win games for them. Back on a new four-year deal, will lead that charge, though he is far from the only focal point of this offense. Up the middle, infielders and are both coming off 23-homer seasons. In the outfield, and remain 30-homer threats. If corner infielders and can stay healthy as well, the Mets will boast a lineup full of power bats from top to bottom.

In the bullpen, the Mets re-signed free agents and , returning the core of a group that -- thanks to closer and setup man -- was one of the best in baseball last season.
The Mets won 87 games during that campaign, coming within a buzzsaw of advancing to the National League Division Series. As evidenced by this offseason, they aren't eager to change their formula for success.