Reese Kaplan -- Who is the Mets MVP Thus Far?

Reently among a group of fellow Mets fans an interesting discussion question arose concerning the early going of the NY Mets season.  Who would be crowned the team’s MVP?  There were a number of contenders and cases could be built for several of them. 

 Picture by Reese Kaplan

Pete Alonso

What can you say about the reigning Rookie-of-the-Year candidate?  His tape measure shots to dead center field and his high batting average have everyone thanking Brodie Van Wagenen for being true to his word about bringing the best 25 people north from Florida.  It’s funny how not once has anyone said anything about the man’s defensive abilities (or lack thereof) since his offense has been even better than advertised.

Michael Conforto

After rushing back from injury last year to try to help the anemic offense, Michael Conforto struggled until the second half when he came on strong and resembled the player named to the All Star squad in 2017.  This year he’s healthy and providing a steady presence in the middle of the lineup with a .300+ batting average, power and solid defense in right field. 

Edwin Diaz

A lot of people still haven’t been swayed into the win column on the trade that sent Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, Jared Kelenic and Gershon Bautista.  Most grumble about Robinson Cano’s age and salary commitment as well as the sacrifice of top draft pick Kelenic.  However, there’s no denying the boost Edwin Diaz has given to the Mets’ bullpen.  Beginning the day Sunday Diaz has appeared in 9 games, notching 7 saves, striking out 2 per inning and having only walked 2 in his 7.1 IP.  He has a 1.17 ERA and boasts a 7:1 strikeout to walk ratio.  Ummm….yeah, he was a good get.  Did I mention he earns MINIMUM WAGE?

Jeff McNeil

The poor man has been slumping lately.  It has his batting average dipping below .400 and he is close to falling out of the top 5 averages in the major leagues 😊.  Yes, he’s for real and he’s going to make Todd Frazier a benchwarmer upon his return. 

Wilson Ramos

While the big prizes of the off-season, Yasmani Grandal and J.T. Realmuto, went elsewhere, the consolation prize of Mr. Ramos has worked out just fine.  He’s currently hitting .295 with 1 HR and 18 RBIs.  While those numbers are not nearly as impressive as what some others have posted, compare it to what the Mets got from folks like Kevin Plawecki, Jose Lobaton and Tomas Nido last season…he’s light years ahead by comparison. 

Honorable Mentions

Picture by Ernest Dove

While not fully regular in the lineup. J.D. Davis has been a great find for the Mets and kind of makes up for the less-than-stellar early season production of the other trade acquisition, Keon Broxton. 

Picture by Ed Delaney

Relegated to mostly pinch hitting duties, the heretofore forgotten first baseman of the future, Dominic Smith, is keeping his batting average above the .400 level in his limited opportunities.  What his future is with the Mets (or as a trade chip to help improve another area) only Brodie knows. 

So who’s your MVP?  For me it’s a toss-up between Alonso and Diaz.  Maybe they could share the award like Keith Hernandez did with Willie Stargell back in 1979.  Still, it’s early in the season and we will see how well they both do over the long haul.