2023 New York Mets Preview

March 30, 2023

2023 New York Mets Season Preview

The 2023 New York Mets enter the season with a prestigious roster and elevated expectations. This offseason, the team signed nine free agents to $497.1 million worth of contracts. For this team, its fans, and its now popular owner, Steve Cohen, it is all-in. They’re doing what it takes to get to the World Series.

Offense

The Mets will start the season with have an elite lineup that is easily one of the best in all of the majors. They have power with Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor. Even Eduardo Escobar, who hit 20 home runs, still has some power left. Then, they feature two of the best contact hitters in the NL with Jeff McNeil, who won the batting title last year, and Brandon Nimmo, who led the NL in triples. This offense will be dynamic.

If that isn’t enough, add in Starling Marte with his consistent batting. He averages 18 home runs and 70+ RBI and brings a .290 lifetime average. Mark Canha hit .266 with 13 home runs. Round out the offense with Daniel Vogelbach, 18 home runs and this team will score plenty of runs.

There are a couple of weaknesses, however. The team finished 23 out of the 30 teams in stolen bases. They need to steal more. They also had trouble with grounding into double plays and need to turn that around.

Starting Pitching

The 2023 New York Mets starting rotation will feature one of the best one-two-punches in baseball, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Both have won three Cy Young awards and, even though they are older, show no signs of slowing down. The number three starter will be the Japanese star Kodai Senga, who signed in December. Although he is unproven at this level, he has great potential. He throws a fastball averaging 95-96 mph and tops out at 100, a forkball (splitter), and a cutter. Senga will be dealing with a larger baseball than he’s used to and will be integrating into a new culture. An unknown with him is how he will handle the pressure the New York media can put on him if he struggles. Being “rookie” is hard enough without the added pressure of learning the ins and outs of a new culture.

Carlos Carrasco was a surprise last season with 15 wins and 152 strikeouts. He will need to give the Mets quality innings like he did last year. With the injury to Jose Quintana, who is not expected back until midseason, Carrasco needs to stay healthy and be that consistent end-of-the-rotation starter.

Closer

Who the Mets closer will be is still in question. Closer Edwin Diaz is out after an injury celebrating a WBC win for Puerto Rico. His loss is obviously a huge one. The first pitcher they will look at to step in and be the shutdown guy is David Robertson. He certainly has the experience with 157 career saves. And having the experience of successfully pitching in New York, he also has the grit to be their closer. Even better, he has shown to be effective against both left- and right-handed hitters.

Relief

Adam Ottavino could see time as the closer, but is seen as the set-up pitcher, a spot he’s excelled in. John Curtiss, who missed all of 2022, has performed well in spring training and will pitch in long relief. Brooks Raley gives the Mets a dependable lefty, something they greatly lacked in 2022. Drew Smith had an excellent Spring Training as well. He will be needed for middle innings relief.

Surprise Player

The surprise player for the Mets could be fan favorite Brandon Nimmo. He has the power to hit home runs and will bat leadoff on many occasions. He has ample speed to turn hits into doubles and triples. Also, the 29-year-old will want to show everyone he is worthy of the eight year $162MM deal he signed during the offseason and will work to showcase what he brings to the team.

2023 New York Mets Outlook

Last season the Mets had the makings of a championship contender but lost in the NL Wild Card series. They have not been to the World Series was 2015. The 2023 New York Mets have a superb rotation, a talented bullpen, and a well-adjusted lineup. If they avoid injuries and long losing streaks, they have a great chance at getting back to the Series. With the talent they have, they could win their first one in in 37 years.