Can the New York Mets Dethrone The Yankees to Become NYC's Favorite Baseball Team?

As improbable as it may seem, the New York Mets could be in the process of overtaking the mighty New York Yankees as the team to watch in the Big Apple. Everyone knows New York has always belonged to the Yankees, but if things continue to project on their current path, it could suddenly become a Mets town for the long haul.

Of course, the Metropolitans made huge strides last season, not just in snapping a postseason drought that had existed since 2006, but also by going all the way to the World Series for the franchise's first championship appearance in 15 years. Despite ultimately coming up short, the message was loud and received by all 30 major league teams, that the Mets are ready to be perennial contenders for the next decade -- if not more.

It's not hard to envision, too, considering the special pitching rotation that is currently in place in Flushing. Of course, it all starts at the top with their two most proven youngsters, Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom. Arguably the arm that makes this starting staff as dangerous as it currently is just might be with Noah Syndergaard, who has already exhibited plenty of flashes that could lead to him being an ace pitcher down the road. Another youngster, Steve Matz, has also looked good early on in his career. Veteran Bartolo Colon rounds it out, but don't forget about up-and-coming right-hander Zack Wheeler, who will return to the team this summer following his Tommy John operation.

The bats are noteworthy as well, with proven sluggers like Yoenis Cespedes, Lucas Duda and the captain, David Wright. Emerging youngsters like Travis d'Arnaud and Michael Conforto also reside in this lineup to help comprise a dependable core for the future. Collectively, it's a roster worth heading out to the ballpark to watch in action, which is why Mets ticket prices have steadily risen over the past couple of years. Luckily, ParkWhiz.com has plenty of affordable Citi Field parking to keep the costs of attending a game down, but aside from that, prices to get into the stadium have gone up with the club's emergence on the field.

The Yankees, meanwhile, are old. Tickets to see the Yankees will always be up there in price, contending with any other team in professional sports, but that doesn't mean their team is trending in the right direction, too. Veterans like Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran, Mark Teixeira and even Jacoby Ellsbury are either at or approaching the very end of their decorated careers. The pitching is a little bit suspect in its current state, with key starters Michael Pineda and Masahiro Tanaka not looking as sharp as they've been in recent years.

In fact, it wouldn't be so surprising if the Yankees were to enter rebuilding mode sooner than later, considering the average age of their ballclub. The Mets are obviously in the complete opposite direction, boasting a roster that can go deep into the playoffs once again.

The Yankees have a strong amount of celebrities that regularly show up to their games, but now the Mets are attracting a similar big-time audience. Jerry Seinfeld, for one, has always been a huge Mets fan. Additionally, Nas, Ed Sheeran and Chris Rock are also noted spectators of the Mets.

All things considered, New York could be doused with orange and blue if the trend continues.