SAVAGE VIEWS – 2024 Around the Corner

  

As we wrap up the 2023 season there’s a lot of speculation as to what direction the club will take in 2024.  There has been talk about signing Alonso to a long-term deal and perhaps signing a top free agent such as Bellinger.  While I agree that signing Pete should be a priority as long as the extension does not exceed 5-6 years.  

On the other hand, I would pass on Bellinger, although he’s a great player who would be an asset to any team.  It’s time we moved away from giving long-term deals to free agents that you wind up regretting after two or three years.

I’ve said before that I believe the Mets will field a competitive team in 2024.  The first move will be to add two quality starters, hopefully Yamamoto is one of them.  These two additions together with Senga and Quintana will form the nucleus of a strong starting rotation.  The fifth starter will be one of Peterson, MeGill, Butto or Lucchesi. If this group stays healthy, our rotation matches up well against any other team.  Not only that, but you have options for a sixth, seventh or eight starter , when needed.

While there has been talk about overhauling the bullpen, I’m inclined to stay the course.   With the return of Diaz, retaining Ottavino and Raley plus the three who missed out on being in the rotation gives us a potentially strong bullen.  The last two slots can be filled by bringing back Robertson and adding possibly Nate Lavender or Paul Gervace.  In addition, there’s Drew Smith and others who will emerge in spring training.

From my perch, the potential starting nine looks pretty solid.  Expect bounce years from McNeil, Marte, if healthy, Alonso and Lindor. This year’s rookies should have put their growing pains behind them.  There is no doubt that Alvarez is the starting catcher and should get at least 120 games.  Narvaez should be traded to a team in need of a starting catcher with Nido returning as the backup.    

Ronny Maurcio has shown himself to be an exciting player with a world of potential.  He might turn out to be the best of the four baby Mets.  Mark Vientos has shown the ability to be more than a right-hand DH.  With 5 homers thus far in September, he has the potential to be a 30 plus homer guy.  Brett Baty has always been a bat first player.  Next year he should emerge as a premier hitter.

This can be a pretty potent line-up:

1.    Nimmo - CF

2.    Maurcio – 2B

3.    Alonso – 1B

4.    Lindor – SS

5.    Alvarez – C

6.    McNeil – LF

7.    Vientos – DH

8.    Baty – 3B

9.    Marte – RF

I’d like to add either a Justin Turner or Brandon Drury to address our inability to hit lefties.  Of course, Stewart is the fourth OF with Nido as the back-up catcher.

There is no question the team will make the playoffs next year.  My concern is whether we have enough depth to replace those players who will get hurt during the year.  Both Nimmo and Marte are candidates to spend time on IR.

Any way you look at it, should be a fun year.  Looking forward to ST.

Ray