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This story is part of ESPN The Magazine's Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today! New York Mets Overall: 82
Title track: 67
Ownership: 102
Coaching: 99
Players: 87
Fan relations: 87
Affordability: 91
Stadium experience: 66
Bang for the buck: 46
Change from last year: +20 The Mets' 2015 World Series appearance -- their first since 2000 -- certainly earned them some goodwill from their fans and bumped them up 20 spots overall in these rankings. But even after an NL pennant, there's still doubt about the Mets' ownership ... and coach ... and roster ... and prices ...
What's goodAfter suffering through six straight losing seasons, the Mets came back with a roar in October 2015. They became the first team in MLB history to rank last in runs scored on July 31 and reach the World Series (which helped a title track jump to 67th). Despite a disappointing loss in the wild-card game in 2016 (darn you, even year magic!), they made two straight postseason appearances for only the second time in franchise history. Meanwhile, Citi Field is widely praised for its fan friendliness (66th overall in stadium experience). Among 2016's new additions to the concession stands: a fried chicken sandwich from chef David Chang of the New York favorite Momofuku.
What's badSigh. For Mets fans, Bernie Madoff's impact on this team can't disappear soon enough. The owners are working on it, slowly but surely: The Wilpons made an initial payment of $16 million on June 1 to return profits (the rest of the $45 million will be paid in installments from 2017 to 2020). Until that debt is off the table, don't expect the owners' 102nd-place ranking to improve much. Meanwhile, even after a World Series appearance, manager Terry Collins' in-game maneuvers continue to draw criticism from fans (he's up just four places from last year and still on the cusp of triple digits). Just remember this, Mets fans: Collins managed the Mets into the postseason for a second straight year, so he's doing something right.
What's newAfter two straight winning seasons, the Mets' bang for the buck ranking soared 33 spots from last year. Of course, it helps that Mets' tickets are half the cost of those from their Bronx neighbors ($26 on average, compared to $52). As for next year, might the Mets have some more star power? The squad made a splash with the recent signing of former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow to a minor league deal. He slugged a home run on a 91 mph fastball in his first game back in the sport, then started his Arizona Fall League career 0-for-9. Next: Minnesota Twins | Full rankings
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