Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor compiled a season that would have earned him an NL MVP award in any scenario devoid of Shohei Ohtani. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Now, let’s examine the 2024 season for the New York Mets, the challenges the team needs to tackle during the offseason, and an initial forecast for 2025.
Read more: 2024 MLB offseason previews: What’s next for the Padres, Guardians, Phillies, and more?
Postseason outcome
The Mets enjoyed a remarkable September that extended into October, achieving a thrilling wild-card victory over the Brewers, followed by a four-game triumph against the Phillies in the NLDS. Their fairytale run concluded against the Dodgers in the NLCS. However, the Mets should enter the offseason with confidence, having emerged as the last team from a highly competitive NL East.
Pete Alonso recorded the most significant hit of the postseason for the Mets, launching a homer off Brewers closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning of wild-card Game 3 in Milwaukee. A close second for the most unforgettable moment was Francisco Lindor’s grand slam during the sixth inning of the series-clinching win against the Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS. Rookie Mark Vientos also played a crucial role, leading the team with five homers, 14 RBIs, and a .327 batting average in October, and ranking just behind Alonso with an OPS of .998.
Sean Manaea was the linchpin of the rotation, producing three strong performances with a 2.65 ERA over his first 17 postseason innings. Unfortunately, he struggled in the Mets’ final game, giving up five earned runs in just two innings during the NLCS Game 6 loss to the Dodgers. Luis Severino (3.24 ERA) and Jose Quintana (3.14 ERA) also posted solid postseason performances, yet the Mets’ insufficient bullpen depth proved to be a significant issue in the extended series.
Things that went right
Season Recap
The Mets demonstrated their knack for the dramatic with a come-from-behind victory against the Braves, securing a postseason berth on the final day of the regular season. The crucial home run was delivered by their star player, Francisco Lindor. The shortstop had a sluggish start, hitting just .211 on May 29, but ignited in the second half with a remarkable .943 OPS, propelling the team upward in the standings. At 30 years old, Lindor also excelled defensively, ranking second among shortstops with 16 outs above average. While Shohei Ohtani is the overwhelming favorite for the NL MVP award, Lindor stands as a compelling candidate for the runner-up spot.
Although Lindor was the primary contributor, Mark Vientos emerged as the most surprising player. The 24-year-old was sent to the minors twice early in the season and had accumulated just eight at-bats by mid-May. However, he found his rhythm afterward and energized the lineup until Lindor found his groove. By the All-Star break, Vientos boasted an .896 OPS and concluded the season as the team’s third-leading home run hitter with 27.
Issues Encountered
While the offense ranked among the best in baseball, New York’s pitching staff delivered merely average results. The shortcomings can be attributed equally to both the rotation and the bullpen.
Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, and Jose Quintana were consistent starters, yet the final rotation spot proved to be a continuous problem. Adrian Houser was anticipated to fill that role but struggled significantly, leading to his transition to the bullpen in May and eventual release at the end of July. Prospective player Christian Scott failed to reach his anticipated potential, finishing with a 4.56 ERA over nine starts before being sidelined due to an elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery. Although Tylor Megill put forth strong performances, he also had an IL stint, was optioned to the minors twice, and ended July with a 5.17 ERA.
Closer Edwin Díaz had his moments of dominance along with some frustrating stretches. By the All-Star break, he carried a 4.05 ERA and had five blown saves, but he experienced more success as the team surged in the second half. Furthermore, three of the top five Mets in total appearances—Adam Ottavino, Jake Diekman, and Danny Young—each posted ERAs above 4.30.
Plans for the Offseason
The Mets’ front office faces several vital decisions this offseason. The left side of the infield is secure, with Lindor positioned at shortstop and Vientos at third base. Francisco Alvarez is set behind the plate, while Jeff McNeil, under contract as the second baseman, has struggled at the plate for the past two seasons. With minimal power, the 32-year-old must frequently reach base to support the team. The first base position remains uncertain as star slugger Pete Alonso heads toward free agency.
The outfield situation also lacks clarity. Brandon Nimmo is confirmed to return in left field, but center fielder Harrison Bader and right fielder Jesse Winker are both free agents. Starling Marte has one more year remaining on his contract and could start in right field, but he struggled defensively in 2024 and has faced health challenges in recent seasons. Additionally, J.D. Martinez played on a one-year deal, highlighting the need to integrate at least two players into the outfield/DH mix.
Similar to the outfield, the rotation will require multiple adjustments. Severino and Quintana are set to become free agents, while Manaea is likely to opt out. Peterson and Megill can fill two spots, but it is crucial to note that they were occasionally unreliable in 2024 and contributed out of the bullpen during the postseason. Kodai Senga is expected to return after being limited to just 5 1/3 innings this season due to shoulder and calf injuries. July acquisition Paul Blackburn offers another option, yet he carries a career 4.85 ERA and made only 14 starts this year. Díaz will return to lead a relief corps that retains most of its key members for 2025, but given the unsatisfactory results from this group in 2024, enhancements are imperative.
Certainly, the offseason to-do list for Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is extensive, as he needs to acquire at least five players spanning first base, outfield, the rotation, and the bullpen. The positive aspect is that team owner Steve Cohen has demonstrated a robust financial commitment to assembling a competitive roster.
The resources are in place; Stearns simply needs to make the right choices.
Upcoming Prospects
While the Mets have faced some injury challenges within their prospect ranks, they still boast an above-average collection of talent. The encouraging news is that many of their top prospects could make their way to the major leagues next year.
Brandon Sproat took significant strides in his inaugural minor-league season, advancing through three tiers and concluding the year in Triple-A. At 24, he impresses with his elite fastball velocity and strong secondary pitches. Similar to many prospects, Sproat could benefit from refining his control, but he is on a fast track to bolstering the Mets’ rotation by next summer at the latest.
Due to wrist surgery, Jett Williams’ development was somewhat hindered this year; however, the 2022 first-round draft pick is still only 20 and has already reached Triple-A. With excellent speed and a keen batting eye, he frequently gets on base. A natural shortstop, Williams is adapting to center field because of Lindor’s presence in Queens. Compared to another outfield prospect from the 2022 draft, Drew Gilbert, Williams is slightly closer to the majors. The 24-year-old was acquired in the Justin Verlander trade and performed significantly better in Double-A in 2023 than in Triple-A this year. Nevertheless, a strong start in 2025 could secure Gilbert a spot on the Mets’ roster next summer.
Ronny Mauricio was once on a rapid ascent to the majors, accumulating 101 at-bats with the Mets in 2023 before suffering a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire season. Like Williams, Mauricio is a shortstop who has adapted by learning other positions due to Lindor’s presence. He is expected to begin 2025 in Triple-A but could soon make his way back to New York as a utility player.
Lastly, Luisangel Acuña energized the Mets when he stepped in late September during Lindor’s injury, but the 22-year-old shortstop recorded a .654 OPS in Triple-A this year and will likely require additional development time.
Objectives for 2025
The 2024 season was not anticipated to be a peak year for the Mets, yet they successfully surged into the postseason. To progress further, significant enhancements are necessary at various positions. With two of the strongest rosters in baseball, the Phillies and Braves will pose a challenge for New York to secure its first division title since 2015, even with a substantial payroll. A more achievable goal would be to secure a wild-card spot again next year and hope the team finds success in October.
Fantasy Insights
As Lindor leads the Mets on the field, he will be the first player chosen from the team in the 2025 fantasy drafts. This shortstop is likely to be a Round 1 pick in some leagues, and should Alonso not be retained, there may be a considerable gap before the next New York player is selected.
Díaz is expected to be picked within the first 10 rounds, while Vientos, Nimmo, and Manaea are likely to be chosen in the middle rounds. The scarcity of Mets players between Lindor and the subsequent tier highlights the necessity for high-caliber additions for the team to compete in the NL East next year.
# 2024 New York Mets Season Review: Triumphs, Setbacks, and Offseason Outlook
## The Overview of the 2024 Season
The 2024 MLB season for the New York Mets was a rollercoaster ride filled with excitement, disappointments, and lessons learned. As the Mets aimed for a deeper playoff run, they faced various challenges that tested their resilience and brought forth moments of brilliance and frustration.
### Key Statistics
| Category | 2024 Performance |
|———————–|———————|
| Wins | 85 |
| Losses | 77 |
| Win Percentage | .525 |
| Home Record | 45-36 |
| Away Record | 40-41 |
| Run Differential | +45 |
## Triumphs of the Season
### Standout Players
One of the bright spots for the Mets this season was the performance of several key players who emerged as leaders on and off the field.
#### Pete Alonso
– **Home Runs:** 35
– **RBIs:** 100
– **Batting Average:** .272
Pete Alonso continued to showcase his power-hitting capabilities, leading the team in both home runs and RBIs. His ability to drive in runs during crucial moments made him a fan favorite and a necessary component of the Mets’ lineup.
#### Francisco Lindor
- **Batting Average:** .286
– **On-Base Percentage:** .360
– **Stolen Bases:** 25
Lindor’s agility and quickness contributed significantly to the Mets’ offensive productivity. His leadership in the infield and clutch hitting helped set the tone for the team throughout the season.
### Breakout Stars
#### Kodai Senga
– **Wins:** 15
- **ERA:** 3.22
– **Strikeouts:** 220
The Japanese import Kodai Senga lived up to expectations by becoming the ace of the Mets’ pitching staff. His unique pitching style and ability to strike out batters played a crucial role in keeping the Mets competitive in tight games.
#### Brett Baty
– **Batting Average:** .270
- **Home Runs:** 22
– **RBIs:** 65
Baty’s emergence as a reliable young hitter provided the Mets with a much-needed spark. His consistent performance and ability to hit in key situations contributed to the team’s overall success.
### Team Achievements
– **April Surge:** The Mets started the season strong, going 20-10 in April, setting the tone for a competitive year.
– **All-Star Selections:** Multiple players were selected for the All-Star game, highlighting the talent within the roster.
– **Postseason Contention:** Despite struggles in the second half, the Mets remained in the playoff conversation until the final weeks.
## Setbacks of the Season
### Injuries Impacting Performance
Injuries plagued the Mets throughout the season, affecting both pitching and hitting. Key players missed significant time, which strained the team’s depth.
– **Starling Marte:** Missed 45 games due to a hamstring injury.
– **Max Scherzer:** Limited to 25 starts, struggling with shoulder issues.
These injuries exposed weaknesses in the roster and led to inconsistent performances.
### Second Half Struggles
The Mets faced a tough second half, finishing the season with a subpar record. Key factors included:
– **Inconsistent Pitching:** The rotation faltered, leading to a lack of depth in crucial games.
– **Offensive Slumps:** Key players, including Alonso and Lindor, experienced slumps that hurt run production.
### Managerial Decisions
Despite the team’s potential, some managerial choices raised eyebrows:
– **Bullpen Management:** Late-game decisions led to blown saves and losses in crucial matchups.
– **Lineup Adjustments:** Frequent changes in the batting order resulted in lack of chemistry among hitters.
## Offseason Outlook
### Free Agency and Roster Moves
As the Mets look forward to the 2025 season, the front office must make critical decisions regarding free agency and potential trades.
#### Key Free Agents
- **Justin Verlander:** His experience and leadership will be sought after if the Mets choose to re-sign him.
– **David Robertson:** The veteran reliever’s performance this season makes him a potential re-sign, depending on budget constraints.
#### Targeting New Talent
To improve the roster, the Mets may look to bolster both their pitching and hitting through free agency:
– **Pitching Depth:** Seeking reliable starters to provide depth and stability.
– **Power Bat:** Adding a power hitter to complement Alonso in the lineup.
### Prospects to Watch
The Mets have a strong farm system with several prospects ready to make an impact in the majors. Key names include:
– **Ronny Mauricio:** A shortstop with tremendous potential.
– **Marco Luciano:** A power-hitting third baseman who could be a game-changer.
## Strategies for Improvement
### Emphasizing Health and Recovery
To avoid the injury woes that plagued them this season, a focus on player health and recovery should be a priority. Implementing advanced sports science techniques and ensuring proper rehabilitation protocols can help keep players on the field.
### Enhancing Team Chemistry
Building a cohesive unit will be crucial for the Mets heading into next season. Establishing strong communication and trust through team-building exercises and spring training activities can help improve overall performance.
### Analyzing Metrics
Utilizing advanced analytics to evaluate player performance and refine strategies can provide an edge. The Mets should prioritize data-driven decision-making to optimize their lineup and pitching rotations.
## Fan Engagement and Community Impact
The 2024 season saw the Mets actively engaging with their fan base and contributing to the community. By hosting charity events, youth clinics, and fan appreciation days, the Mets emphasized their commitment to being more than just a baseball team.
### Key Community Initiatives
– **Youth Baseball Clinics:** Encouraging the next generation of players.
– **Charity Fundraising Events:** Supporting local charities and non-profit organizations.
## Looking Ahead
As the New York Mets begin to prepare for the 2025 season, fans can expect changes aimed at building a more resilient and competitive team. The blend of veteran talent, solid prospects, and a renewed focus on health and community engagement can pave the way for future success.
By assessing the strengths and weaknesses from the 2024 season, the Mets can strategically position themselves for a triumphant return, maximizing their chances of returning to postseason glory.
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the 2024 New York Mets season brought a mix of triumphs and setbacks, setting the stage for an impactful offseason. With the right moves and a clear vision, the Mets can aim to become a formidable force in the upcoming season, reigniting hope and excitement among their loyal fanbase.
