Does New York Still Belong To The Yankees?

Not since the 1980s have the Mets truly owned New York. The last time they won more regular-season games than the Yankees, they ended up losing the World Series to their cross-town rival. But with the Yankees aging roster and declining appearance and the Mets tremendous young pitching staff, is it time to say New York belongs to the Mets?

As much as they may think so, I say not yet.

Mets general manager, Sandy Alderson, said last year that his club would be a 90-game winner. They fell eleven wins short of that mark, finishing 79-83.

With the return of their ace, Matt Harvey, and the addition of Michael Cuddyer, I can absolutely see this team winning 85 games in 2015. I think they’ll have one of the strongest rotations in baseball, and their offense should improve a bit. Moving in their right-field fences should help Curtis Granderson’s power numbers, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he hit close to 30 home runs.

And what’s not to love about the exciting young talent over in Flushing? They have the reigning NL Rookie of the Year in Jacob deGrom, and Juan Lagares is one of the best defensive centerfielders in the game today.

More from Yankees News

• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

As fun as these guys might be to watch in 2015, the focus will still be one the Yankees; even if it’s only for one more year.

Alex Rodriguez is returning to baseball, and that story will surely dominate the media rounds for at least the first couple months of the season. And while the Yankees’ roster is far from impressive, there’s still some star power that will always draw the attention of fans. They’re still fielding a giant payroll, while the Wilpons have Alderson playing Moneyball.

I do think the Mets will finally win more regular-season games than the Yanks this season, ending their 15-year drought. This will be the beginning of the turning of the tide in New York, and the Yankees may not be able to stop it.

Unless, of course, Brian Cashman signs Max Scherzer. If that happens we may not hear anyone talk about the Mets until the All-Star break.