The document discusses 4 key players for the 2015 New York Mets' playoff chances: Lucas Duda, who led the team in home runs in 2014 and could improve his batting average; Matt Harvey, who is returning from Tommy John surgery and was one of the top pitchers in 2013; Michael Cuddyer, a new power bat acquired from the Rockies who should adjust well to Citi Field; and Juan Lagares, a defensive star and center fielder whose batting and base stealing have improved and could continue to do so.

1. 4 Players Key to the
Playoff Chances in 2015

2. LUCAS DUDA
• In 2014, Duda led the Mets in Home Runs,
hitting 30 for the first time in his career –
twice as much as his previous high of 15.
• Duda posted a batting average of .253 last
year, an improvement from the last two
years in which he hit .239 and .223.
• In 2011, he hit .292, which shows he does
have the ability to hit for average as well as
power. With one more year under his belt,
Duda should be able to find a comfortable
balance between the two.

3. MATT HARVEY
• Harvey sat out the 2014 season after
undergoing tommy john surgery on his right
elbow.
• In 2013, his sophomore year, he posted a
2.27 Earned Run Average before being shut
down late in the season due to his injury.
• For his career, Harvey has averaged 9.9
strikeouts per 9 innings.
• The Mets have been conservative in bringing
Harvey back from a historically risky injury.
While pitchers tend to perform slightly
worse after coming back from tommy john,
Harvey’s youth, athletic capability and
determination should see him return as one
of the premier starting pitchers in baseball.

4. MICHAEL CUDDYER
• Cuddyer, previously on the Rockies, signed
with the Mets this offseason as a much
needed bat in the middle of the lineup.
• The Mets play at Citi Field, one of the biggest
MLB stadiums, which has raised questions
about the productivity of big bats coming in
from other teams .
• The Rockies, in Particular, play at Coors Field,
one of the most home run friendly parks in
the league.
• The last two years, Cuddyer has hit .331 and
.332, totaling 30 home runs and 115 RBIs
while missing significant time both years.
• Because his production has relied less on
the home run unlike other Rockies stars
Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez,
Cuddyer’s ability to hit for a high average
should help him adjust well to Citi field.

5. JUAN LAGARES
• Lagares is a defensive superstar, and on a team
whose strength lies mostly in their pitching,
formidable defense is a necessity.
• In 2014, Lagares won the Gold Glove award for his
play in center field, off the strength of spectacular
catches on a consistent basis as well as a cannon
for an arm. He has thrown out 21 runners over the
past two years.
• Lagares’ bat also shows signs of improvement. In
2013, Lagares hit .242 with 96 strikeouts. The next
year he hit .281 with 9 less strikeouts in 24 more at-bats.
• His superior speed, evident from his outfield
defense, promises improvement in his stolen base
potential, as do the stats. In 2014, Lagares stole 13
bases, more than double his previous career total
of 6.
• As he grows into a more mature, patient hitter,
Lagares should continue to see his strikeouts
decrease and his offensive output should be more
than adequate when taking into account his
defense.
Statistics from http://www.baseball-reference.com/