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8. New York Mets (87-75, second in NL East, 809 runs scored, 731 runs allowed).
David Stearns moved on from the core he inherited, which wasn’t an unreasonable decision given that core’s age and limitations. In practice, though, he’s built an awkward roster, a mix of free agents and free-agent-like substances, crowding out the products of the strong farm system he inherited.
However awkward the mix, the Mets are going to score runs. This is the second-best offense in the game, with rookie Carson Benge or trade pickup Luis Robert Jr. the low man, and they’re likely to hang around a 95 wRC+. Juan Soto is at his peak, Bo Bichette brings a much-needed skill set -- singles and doubles to drive home the guys who draw walks -- to Queens, and you’re surely already sick of me talking up Francisco Alvarez.
