MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds explains to The Post’s Justin Terranova why he has the Mets as NL East favorites right now and loves the decision to hire Brodie Van Wagenen.
Q: How much do you think the Mets improved this offseason?
A: They kept their pitching staff together after the talk that [Noah] Syndergaard might be leaving. Now you have Syndergaard, [Jacob] deGrom and that rotation with some offense to go with it. They are my No. 1 team in the East right now. I love the Braves, but I am not sure what they really are after one year. The Nationals, that’s a big void if Harper doesn’t come back. As we sit here today — and things can change in a day or two — the Mets have to be the team to beat in the NL East.
Q: As an analyst, do you want Harper’s team decided or is the speculation interesting?
A: I want it resolved as much as anyone else does because that makes it fun for us. “All right, this guy is going to protect this hitter and so here is how I am going to make my lineup out.” It also allows you to see what other moves will be made by a certain club that strengthens it.
Q: How does Robinson Cano change the Mets’ lineup?
A: He’s going to perform. He’s always hit, is clutch and has played in New York. It changes their team instantly. Cano takes on a lot of pressure and makes everyone in that lineup better. [Michael] Conforto and [Brandon] Nimmo get better immediately. Not to mention they are going to learn a lot from Cano. [Wilson] Ramos can flat out hit, too. Those are two huge offensive bats.
Q: How important was it to get a new face of the franchise with Van Wagenen?
A: I have a great relationship with ownership, but fans wanted to see a new face. It takes pressure off the Wilpons. You gave them a nice, fresh face to go out there and share the message of the team. It’s almost like it’s a new organization. He handles himself well, is articulate, fun, available. It was an important move for the fan base and the media.
Q: What concerns do you have for their roster right now?
A: You have to get playing time for the young guys. I want to see what happens with [Amed] Rosario. Nimmo and Conforto need to get at-bats. What’s going to happen with [Peter] Alonso? Will he be the guy that you hoped? I really feel like this is a good time for the Mets because the market has fallen back to them where they can still sign those players who could help.
