New York Mets: 20 Predictions for the Next 5 Seasons

The Mets have been through it all since their formation in 1962. From bottom feeders to high rollers, buyers to sellers, underdogs to favorites, the 'Amazins have been known to shock the world, whether it be in a positive or negative manner.

Coming off the largest season-to-season payroll decrease in MLB history, the Mets are focused on rebuilding and developing young talent, but that doesn't mean they won't be back in contention within the next five years.

Many changes are on the way between now and the end of the 2016 season, but what will they be? Here are 20 predictions for the New York Mets for the next five seasons.

David Wright Will Be Traded

This one pains me to say, but there's very little chance David Wright will still be in a Mets uniform five years from now. At a high price tag and presumably high trade value, the Mets could easily move Wright and continue their new philosophy of developing young, inexpensive prospects.

As long as he isn't moved to a division rival (particularly the Phillies, who have been seeking Wright for years), Mets fans will survive this one. But watching Wright win with a rival would be devastating to New York.

Wheeler/Harvey/Familia Become the New Hudson/Mulder/Zito

Does the plot line of three highly touted pitching prospects rising through the minors of a low-budget team together to form one of the best pitching staffs in Major League Baseball sound familiar?

Billy Beane did it with the Oakland A's, now Sandy Alderson is getting his chance to repeat the feat with the New York Mets.

Wheeler, Harvey and Familia all have excellent potential and should make major impacts on the Mets' rotation in the next few years. If all goes according to plan, they could form one of the best young rotations in recent history.

Ike Davis Will Lead the National League in Home Runs

Ike Davis is a monster of a man at first base. With a newly shortened porch in right field and a healed ankle, there is no reason to believe that Ike won't boast incredible power numbers this season.

As his career progresses and he learns more about big league pitching, his stats will be even more impressive.  Within the next few years, look for Davis to lead the NL in round trippers.

Terry Collins Will No Longer Be the Manager

2016 is a long way away, and Terry Collins has already retired before. Hopefully Terry will hang around long enough to see some of the bright stars in the minors make it to the Mets because he is the veteran presence a squad of youngsters would need, but his managerial clock is ticking.

Collins, who will turn 63 in May, won't be forced out, but don't be surprised to see him walk away on his own.

Zack Wheeler Will Win 20 Games

With a blazing fastball and an absolute hammer of a curveball, it's hard not to compare Zack Wheeler with the likes of Justin Verlander. Due to arrive in the Majors in 2012 or 2013, Wheeler will need a couple of years to figure out how to be successful in the NL East, but with time, he should be a star.

With his impressive repertoire of pitches, Wheeler's potential seems unlimited. Twenty wins in a season should be an attainable achievement for him.

The Mets Will Make 2 Playoff Appearances

Even though experts will try to point out that the Mets are in trouble due to the plethora of talent arriving in the NL East, think about what the Mets are getting back.  Not only did they reconstruct their bullpen, they are refilling their lineup with Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy and Johan Santana.

Those three players should be good enough to improve the team by 10 wins, putting them right in the playoff hunt. With the talent in the NL East, there will likely be many changes at the top, but the Mets will get their moment.

Piazza and Carter Will Have Their Numbers Retired

Two of the best players, let alone catchers in Mets history are both worthy of having their numbers retired by the franchise. On the 2012 squad, no player on the 40-man roster is currently wearing No. 8 or No. 31, meaning that the Mets may have something in mind.

With Gary Carter's declining health, the time is now to give him one more moment in the Queen's sun. Hopefully the Mets do the right thing.

Ruben Tejada Will Win a Gold Glove

His bat might not be good enough to be an everyday player, but there is no doubt that his glove will keep him in the majors. A daily feature on Web Gems, Ruben Tejada's superb defense will be much needed in the seasons to come for a rotation that does not strike out many hitters.

The human highlight reel needs to work on his hitting, but his defense already ranks among the best in baseball.  Within the next five seasons, he will be rewarded with his first Gold Glove.

The Mets Will Regain Their Spot in the Top 5 Payrolls in Baseball

For the time being, the Mets' spending is at an all-time low, but hopefully things won't stay that way for long.  After dropping to under $100 million for the first time in a decade, the Mets are looking for minority-share partners to get the franchise back on track.

After the Ponzi Scheme is settled and the Mets put fans in the seats with their improved play, odds are good their payroll will bounce back.

Now they just have to hope Sandy Alderson isn't looking for any Luis Castillo's or Oliver Perez's.

Only 2 of the 2012 Starting 9 Will Remain in 2016

In the ever-changing landscape that is Major League Baseball, it's extremely difficult to keep a core group of players together. Combined with how many of the veteran players on the 2012 squad that will be be retired in 2016, don't expect to see more than two of this season's starters back in the Big Apple in five years.

Guesses as to who remains? Either Duda, Davis or Tejada.

The Mets Will Get Their 1st No-Hitter

Although this is nearly impossible to predict, my love for the Mets still believes a no-hitter is right around the corner.

In nearly 7,500 games, the Mets have yet to record a no-hitter, but with the talent due to arrive in the majors any year now, odds are improving for New York to see the miracle.

If that day comes, I'll smile and say I told you so.

If that day doesn't come, I'll remember why I love the Mets.

Jason Bay Will Hit 25 Home Runs

As we all know, Jason Bay's first few years in New York have been far from a dream come true. But the optimist in me believes that Bay is finally acclimated with the city, will see better pitches with Duda and Davis in the lineup and will thrive with the newly renovated outfield wall.

He's a hard worker and a true competitor, don't quit on him just yet.

There Will Be a New Majority Owner

If the Mets are looking for things to turn around, a good start would be the Wilpons selling the franchise. Their financial troubles have contributed to the downfall of the team, and their commitment has been questioned on numerous occasions.

A new, passionate owner would revitalize New York and hopefully revive the "Ya Gotta Believe" spirit this franchise thrived on.

The Mets Will Be Sellers This Season, Buyers the Next 4

With many veterans that could help win a championship but do the Mets little good in rebuilding mode, New York could look to unload big names like David Wright and Johan Santana at this year's trade deadline.

However, with an improved farm system and a major league team on the rise, the next four years will see them looking to add players at the deadline to give them the extra push for a playoff spot. 

Matt Harvey Will Make 2 All-Star Games

Harvey, the North Carolina product, could be on the active roster right out of spring training. With his great control and impressive velocity, his skill set gives him perennial All-Star potential.

Harvey and Wheeler have the potential to be the next Tim Lincecum/Matt Cain. The Mets will need to lock them down with long-term contracts to ensure the future of the franchise.

Jose Reyes Will Regret Ever Leaving

Heading to warmer weather with a new stadium and new contract, it's hard to believe Jose Reyes will regret leaving New York.

But he will.

He will miss the passionate fans and the bright spotlight that only New York City can cast on a player. Miami's lure will last for a few years, but the longer he stays, the more he will wish he gave the Mets another chance.

Wally Backman Will Get His Chance to Manage

After being in the manager's hunt the last time the Mets had a coaching vacancy, Wally Backman will finally get his chance to lead the Mets after Terry Collins retires. 

A fan favorite and YouTube sensation for his epic coaching meltdown, Wally's wild antics will be a perfect fit in New York. If he can do as good a job with the MLB club as he's done with his minor league teams, the Mets can count on good years ahead.

Mets Pitchers Will Have a Lower ERA Than the Phillies in 2016

While the Phillies currently boast the best starting rotation in baseball, the Mets are beginning to sneak up on them. With proven veterans such as Santana and Dickey and minor leaguers such as Wheeler and Harvey anxiously awaiting their call-ups, don't be surprised when New York emerges as one of the best staffs in baseball.

As the Phillies get older and the Mets hit their prime, look for the 'Amazins to have a lower ERA than Philly in 2016.

The Mets Will Become a Home Run Hitting Team

After years of struggling to hit home runs at Citi Field, the Mets will begin to rely on it. With a powerful core of Wright, Duda and Davis, the Apple in center field will be working much harder than it’s had to in previous seasons.

Combined with the shortened dimensions of Citi Field, the Mets have all the makings of a powerful team. If guys like Torres and Murphy can get on base for the big hitters, the Mets will remember the value of the three-run homer.

The Return of "YA GOTTA BELIEVE"

After years of collapses, losing seasons, payrolls cuts and rebuilding, the Mets will give their fans things to cheer about again in the not too distant future. 

The farm system is stronger than people think, the coaches throughout the organization are talented and focused and the fans are dying for something to cheer about. 

The dark cloud that seems permanently cast over the Mets will soon rescind and blue skies will show again. This doesn't mean a World Series, but New York will be a competitor again.