At this time last year, Mets fans were ecstatic that we would be serious contenders for a World Series title. After all, our rotation was headed by two Hall of Fame pitchers. Things did not go as planned, obviously.
Most pundits have the Mets winning even less
games in what is being called a transition year. Let’s take a look at last year’s roster vs the
projected roster for 24.
|
Pos |
2023 Mets |
2024 Mets Projected |
|
1B |
Alonso |
Alonso |
|
2B |
McNeil |
McNeil |
|
SS |
Lindor |
Lindor |
|
3B |
Escobar |
Baty |
|
LF |
Canha |
Nimmo |
|
CF |
Nimmo |
Bader |
|
RF |
Marte |
Marte |
|
C |
Navarez/Nido |
Alvarez/Nido |
|
DH |
Vogelbach |
Vientos |
|
OF 4 |
Locastro |
Taylor |
|
OF 5 |
Pham |
Stewart |
|
INF |
Guilorme |
Wendell |
|
|
|
|
|
SP 1 |
Scherzer |
Senga |
|
SP 2 |
Verlander |
Quintana |
|
SP 3 |
Senga |
Severino |
|
SP 4 |
Carrasco |
Manaea |
|
SP 5 |
Peterson |
Houser |
|
SP 6 |
Megill |
Megill |
|
RP |
Robertson |
Diaz |
|
RP |
Ottavino |
Ottavino |
|
RP |
Raley |
Raley |
|
RP |
Smith |
Smith |
|
RP |
Nogosek |
Lucchesi |
|
RP |
Curtiss |
Butto |
|
RP |
Hunter |
Lopez |
|
RP |
Santana |
Hartwig |
An argument can be made that this year’s team is actually better than the team that started last year. The offensive production for the first three months of the season was underwhelming. Alonso, McNeil, Lindor, Marte, et al all had poor starts to their seasons.
The catching duo of Narvaez and Nido was below par.
Verlander and Quintana began the season on IR which
propelled Megill to the Five Hole. The
pen without Diaz was a disaster. It’s
reasonable to expect bounce back years from the likes of Alonso, McNeil, Marte, and
Lindor. Although Lindor did finish
strong, he struggled through the first three months of the season.
Alvarez has emerged as a potential star, while Nido is an
adequate backup. The major questions
that need to be answered are whether Baty and Vientos will live up to the
hype. The feeling is that they have
survived their growing pains and will be significant contributors this
year.
In the wings, should the need arise, are Acuna and Gilbert. Also, upcoming relievers include Lavender and
Gervase plus a large number of no-name additions who could provide excellent depth. This year might see pieces like Vasil, Scott and
Hamel emerge as future starters.
I like the job Stearns has done in building the team to compete in 2024 while retaining top prospects.
The above hopefully supports my argument that our team will be very competitive
this year.
Ray
January 29,
2024
12 comments:
Quite a list, Ray.
Phil Bickford would be a reliever in my 26 man opening day roster list.
If healthy, this team can compete.
Mark my words,the rotation Senga,Megillah,Severino,Quintana,Houser is sneaky good.
Ray, if we do get Wandy Peralta, a strong pen if the pen stays healthy.
The key here is starting healthy.
Manes two behind Senga!
Outside of Closer, as Diaz will start the year healthy and at C with a full year of Alvarez, this is roughly the same team as last year. If healthy, and that’s a huge if with this team (Marte, Severino, Quintana, Bader, etc.), we should roughly be a .500 team. If healthy, our top hitters bounce back from bad Seasons last year, and the kids (Baty, Vientos, Gilbert, Acuna) play to their abilities we will probably be a Wild Card contender. That is asking a lot though. Anyone who is counting this team to be an 86+ win team needs to be a little more realistic. If we’re 5
or more games over .500 at the All Star Break then I can have more faith.
Amazin Z, we've all seen Mets' teams underachieve more often than not, for a slew of reasons. But Edwin could help us overachieve in 2024.
Tom I do think Diaz is so good that he saves at least 5 or 6 games that we lost last year. But that still doesn’t make us a .500 team. I think we will have a better record than last year but not sure about being in the WC Race come August and September. I think a .500 record or slightly over is most realistic.
The big question and worry I have is if we’re .500 at the Trade Deadline and he doesn’t trade anyone or worse makes trades with our prospects to bring in players. Unless this team is over .500 at the deadline he should move all players on 1 year deals and keep building the farm system. This Rotation isn’t built for a Playoff run. If we made the Playoffs we’d be knocked out 1st Round. If Stearns is selling us on ‘25, ‘26, and beyond stick to the plan.
Q has earned the #2 slot. It should be his unless he shows he doesn't rate it.
Amazon Z This is Tom on the wrong phone again. I think we have to see how it plays out, but I feel very positive if they get Wandy Peralta and he’s healthy. I’ll get into it more on Thursday
Megillah is the key. If he is a solid #2 the rotation is good.
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