Another fresh start. Another new beginning. Another episode of hope springing eternal. Beautiful. Every single time.
Sure, external expectations for the New York Mets may be somewhat modulated in the wake of a wholly disappointing 2023. The energized offseason we watched course its way through the fan base last winter and the surge of misfortune that followed shifted the gears on this machine, whether we like it or not.
These things happen. Often, in fact. It’s cause and effect, and it powers the game. The Mets don’t spend the way they did last offseason without coming off of a 101-win season in 2022. Their 2023 plan imploded—as some well-intentioned plans tend to do—so they played a pivot out of that divot, and here we are.
Can we complain? Of course. We’re Mets fans. And some have, a lot. Some are waiting things out before unleashing our special brand of vitriol. Baseball is a long play in every sense of the phrase, so we’ll go with patience for now.
Yes, some of the parameters may have changed, but the ultimate goal for these Mets remains the same—WIN BALLGAMES—and there’s no good reason this group can’t achieve some semblance of success in 2024. And there's absolutely no doubt that we’ll have at least a little fun watching the age-old tale of 162 tell its story over the next half-year.
And that’s where the real enchantment lies. Anything can happen from now through October. Anything, especially when an organization has gone above and beyond to try and fulfill Steve Cohen’s stated objective of sustained success for this organization.
They’ve fortified the infrastructure of the organization tenfold. They’ve shown an unprecedented willingness to spend when they feel it’s worth the investment (see: 2023). David Stearns is at the helm with a vision most couldn’t begin to dissect at this point in the game. Things are trending up. Let’s enjoy that particular ride for a while.
And no, the 26 that leave Port St. Lucie in six weeks may not be the star-studded group that some February World Champs might be carrying into the season. They might not be turning many heads among fans, pundits, or even leaguewide colleagues as the season gets underway. But who says this team can’t compete?
Image credit: Roberto Carlo
Who says this rotation can’t hold its own? That Kodai Senga can’t establish himself as a true ace in this league and lead this group? That Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, Adrian Houser, Joey Lucchesi, and Tylor Megill—actual, capable depth—can’t do their respective jobs to the point of collective success?
Who says Edwin Diaz’s return won’t anchor the Mets’ relief corps to the point of true structured stability? That Brooks Raley, Jorge Lopez, Shintaro Fujinami, Jake Diekman, Adam Ottavino, and Drew Smith won’t settle into their respective roles and collectively gain confidence once things get rolling?
Why can’t the Young Mets—no longer babies—grow into the cogs and cornerstones we’ve all seen flashes of? Who says Brett Baty can’t develop into a bonafide quality bat and serviceable third baseman?
That Mark Vientos’ elite power tool won’t languish in solitary while his swing catches up to MLB pitching? That Francisco Alvarez can’t be an All-Star fixture for years to come?
You simply can’t, friends.
You can’t predict what Pete Alonso will do, especially in a contract year with the fan base largely clamoring for him to stay in Flushing forever and some pretty impressive power numbers within his reach out on the horizon.
You can’t ignore the massive leaps Brandon Nimmo has taken in recent seasons. You can’t say Jeff McNeil is cooked when we’ve seen him flying squirrel himself back into relevancy time and time again. Forget the squirrel, dude is a chameleon.
You can’t overlook Starling Marte’s potential resurgence if he is truly healthy once again. And you absolutely can’t expect anything less than top-flight production and leadership from Francisco Lindor.
Image credit: Roberto Carlo
It’s the start of Spring Training. You can’t count much of anything out at this point. This is a solid group. This is a group that can make waves. This is a group that can properly scratch the itch we’ve been afflicted with since Halloween.
So in that spirit, as fans let’s take it all as it comes this season. Let’s enjoy every single nook and cranny this game has to offer. Let’s hope we come out the other side with some terrific stories to tell.
And to our Metsies, give this fan base something to talk about. Let’s give this fan base something to be proud of. Let’s give this fan base something to celebrate. Let’s go, Mets.