With just modest additions, Mets could improve dramatically

In general manager Sandy Aldersons master plan, 2014 was circled as the Mets year to make their move.

But with big-money contracts belonging to Jason Bay and Johan Santana removed from the books, the Mets will begin spring training (pitchers and catchers report Saturday) looking strikingly similar to the team that last year finished 74-88, third in the NL East.

Or perhaps there a few more wins to be had, thanks to Curtis Grandersons arrival.

The way it stands today, without anymore additions, they might be a little short of .500, a veteran major league executive told The Post.

If the Mets are to have their first winning season in six years and compete for the playoffs their postseason drought dates to 2006 they will need just about every lucky bounce.

It starts with a rotation spearheaded by 40-year-old Bartolo Colon, who signed a two-year contract worth $20 million, as the Mets attempt to find an ace to replace Matt Harvey.

With Harvey expected to miss the entire season as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery, its Colon, Zack Wheeler, Jon Niese and Dillon Gee as the known components to the rotation heading into camp. The fifth spot could belong to Jenrry Mejia if hes healthy (he underwent September surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow), but veterans John Lannan and Diasuke Matsuzaka will be in camp as insurance.

Stud pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom are among the young guns who will try to make an impression on Alderson and manager Terry Collins. But its unlikely, according to Alderson, any of those rookies will be in position to crack the Opening Day roster.

The Mets know what they have at two of the infield positions with David Wright and Daniel Murphy returning, but first base and shortstop are anybodys guess.

Ike Davis, who bounced between the Mets and Triple-A Las Vegas last year, was on the trade block for most of the winter, but Alderson never found a suitable offer in return, leaving Davis in a logjam with Lucas Duda at first base.

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With just modest additions, Mets could improve dramatically