After the New York Mets received 101 regular-season video games in 2022 after which precisely one playoff sport, the sentiment across the staff was “We’ll be again.” Whereas they technically did come again in 2023 — after shelling out thousands and thousands within the offseason — the season was a trainwreck. Stepping into to 2024, expectations had been low and after one other dangerous begin, the Mets had been rapidly written off.
Then a humorous factor occurred: The staff began profitable and profitable loads. Over the second-half of the season, they’d the most effective file in baseball. The Mets stormed into the playoffs and bought inside two wins of a visit to the World Collection. And despite the fact that the season ended the identical manner the previous 38 have, the sensation is totally different than it was two years in the past. Whereas 2022 now seems like a fluke, parts appear to be in place that may enable this staff to compete for years to come back.
To ensure that this to occur, nevertheless, the brains behind the scenes — particularly president of baseball operations David Stearns — should be good. Whereas the Mets nonetheless have a robust core — headlined by Franciso Lindor — additionally they have numerous impending free brokers, together with beginning pitchers Sean Manea and Luis Severino, together with key function gamers Jose Iglesias, J.D. Martinez and Jesse Winker. And, after all, the elephant within the room (or, extra appropriately, polar bear) is Pete Alonso, who after an up-and-down season, proved his value within the playoffs. Whereas most followers actually need him again, it’s not clear if the fellows writing the checks share their feelings.
The Mets could have almost $200 million coming off their books quickly, and it must be used properly. The group and followers alike would gladly give a bit of that to lure Juan Soto from the Bronx to Queens, however the Yankees appear primed to re-sign him. Which means that the Mets’ brass could should get artistic they usually additionally must keep away from their current historical past of throwing some huge cash at older gamers for a fast repair.
Whether or not the Mets signal Alonso or Soto (possibly each?) or neither is carrying orange and blue come March, the aura across the group has modified fairly a bit. Jeff Passan of ESPN sums the team up nicely.
“From LOL to OMG,” Passan writes, “the Mets immediately strut about with a unique mindset. Gone is the wobbliness of previous seasons, changed by the actualization of this yr and these playoffs. Not are the Mets a staff always biking by common managers and managers. They’re right here. And even when 2025 can not match the miracle that was 2024, what occurred this October has readied New York to take the following step.”
