The New York Mets' 2018 season came to a close with an emotional weekend goodbye to a teary-eyed David Wright followed a by a bit of hope for the future.

While the Mets could muster just one run in each of the three games in the season ending series against Miami, they did pull off two wins. Noah Syndergaard made the lone Mets run stand up in a complete game shutout on Sunday that saw 'Thor' strikeout six Marlins, walk none and allow just five hits.

Miami Marlins v New York Mets
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 30: David Wright #5 of the New York Mets gestures to the crowd as he walks into the dugout after defeating the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on September 30, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets won 1-0. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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The Mets only run came from off a fourth-inning Todd Frazier RBI double, but it was all they would need.

After a torrid 10-1 start, Mickey Callaway's first campaign as Mets manager ended with a 77-85 record, taking fourth place in the NL East. The team played better in the second half, posting a 38-30 record.

The potential I mentioned is once again centered in the starting rotation:

  1. Jacob deGrom appears the odds on favorite to win the NL Cy Young. A 1.70 season ERA, a sub-1.00 WHIP, but just a 10-9 record.
  2. Syndergaard gave us another reminder on Sunday of how good he can be. He ended 2018 with a 13-4 record an 3.03 ERA.
  3. And Zach Wheeler had a great second half of the year. Pre-AllStar break, Wheeler posted a 3-6 record with an ERA near 5.00. Post AllStar break, Wheeler went 9-1 with a 1.68 ERA (Yes, those are deGrom-like numbers!)

In addition to a final sendoff to Wright (at least as a player), Jose Reyes is probably gone too. Citi Field bid farewell to Reyes with a standing ovation Sunday.

Miami Marlins v New York Mets
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 30: Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets gestures to the crowd after being taken out of the game during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on September 30, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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Now the Mets look to the future with young talent that does give cause for hope: Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo were offensive catalysts in the second half of 2018.

But if the Mets are to compete in 2019, they'll need to add some bats. Hopefully, team brass use their free agent dollars wisely and can make a splash(s) in the lineup this winter.

A bullpen that could occasionally hold the lead would be nice, too.

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