In 2015 and beyond, the New York Mets will likely be hitting a lot more home runs. Unfortunately for them, so will their opponents.
According to the New York Daily News' Kristie Ackert, the team is set to move in the right-field and right-center-field fences at Citi Field for the second time since the ballpark opened in 2009. Metal Post Round Cap
It's unclear what the expected dimensions will be, but as it stands now, the right-field wall is 375 feet from home plate, while right-center sits 390 feet away, per Ackert. The full current dimensions can be found here.
Citi Field has been known as one of the more cavernous ballparks in the majors. However, in terms of home-run production, it has actually been closer to the middle-of-the-pack since the left, center and right-center walls were moved in and walls were lowered following the 2011 season.
Here's a look at the stats, courtesy of ESPN.com:
Still, there are advantages to this move. According to general manager Sandy Alderson, via Ackert, Curtis Granderson would have hit seven more home runs in 2014 with the new dimensions.
Moreover, closer walls makes it easier to attract free-agent hitters.
Of course, the reverse can also be true. If the new dimensions suddenly make Citi Field a hitter's ballpark, not many pitchers are going to want to go there and watch their ERA balloon.
However, in the near future at least, the Mets won't need to be convincing many free-agent starters. With Matt Harvey expected to be healthy, National League Rookie of the Year favorite Jacob deGrom, Dillon Gee, Jon Niese, Zack Wheeler and promising prospects Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz, the Mets are set in the rotation.
After finishing 2014 ranked 12th in the NL in slugging percentage and 11th in OPS, the Mets are in need of a spark at the plate.
Plastic Round Post Cap While this won't completely solve the problem, it will help.