The New York Mets are heading into the 2024 season with a mix of established stars and promising newcomers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to their projected lineup, rotation, and key questions as they look to compete at the highest level.
- 2024 might be Pete Alonso’s last year with the Mets as he enters his final season of team control.
- Francisco Alvarez and other young stars have the potential for breakout seasons.
- With Kodai Senga’s injury, the Mets’ pitching rotation faces challenges, offering opportunities for other pitchers.
Projected 2024 Opening Day Roster
The Mets have crafted a strong lineup for the 2024 season, highlighted by key players expected to lead the team both offensively and defensively:
- Brandon Nimmo (CF) – Nimmo enters the second season of his eight-year deal as the lead-off man, showing an uptick in power despite a slight dip in his average and on-base percentage.
- Starling Marte (RF) – After a challenging year due to health issues, Marte looks to reclaim his All-Star form from 2022.
- Francisco Lindor (SS) – Lindor continues to be one of the top offensive shortstops, coming off a season matching his home run tally from the previous year.
- Pete Alonso (1B) – Alonso, known for his power-hitting, is entering what could be his last year with the Mets under his current contract.
- Teoscar Hernandez (DH) – Hernandez is eyed to bring depth and power to the lineup, following an average of 24 home runs since 2018.
- Jeff McNeil (2B) – After a drop in his batting average and OPS, McNeil looks to rebound back to his batting title-winning form.
- Francisco Alvarez (C) – Alvarez, despite some inconsistencies, showed promise with 25 home runs and excellent framing skills.
- Cody Bellinger (LF) – Considered a significant offseason acquisition, Bellinger is expected to bring a left-handed power bat to the lineup.
- Brett Baty (3B), Starling Marte (RF), and Mark Vientos (DH) – These players are expected to play vital roles in the lineup, with Marte and Vientos potentially being platooned.
Starting Rotation
The Mets’ starting rotation is poised to be a mix of established names and emerging talents looking to anchor the team’s pitching staff:
- Kodai Senga (RHP) – Senga is set to lead the rotation following an impressive debut season that saw him finish second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.
- Jose Quintana (LHP) – Despite starting his Mets career late due to surgery, Quintana showed effectiveness in his starts.
- Luis Severino (RHP) – Severino, looking to rebound from a tough year, signed a one-year deal with the Mets.
- Sean Manaea (LHP) – The left-hander, known for his solid pitching, is another key addition to the Mets’ rotation.
Three Key Questions
- Can the Mets’ Pitchers Step Up? – After making big changes and smart player picks, whether the new pitchers and the team’s bullpen do well is super important for the Mets in 2024.
- Will Pete Alonso Remain a Met Beyond 2024? – Alonso’s future with the Mets is uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract, with discussions on an extension still ongoing.
- Can the Mets’ Youth Infusion Make an Immediate Impact? – With the inclusion of players like Cody Bellinger and prospects waiting in the wings, the Mets are looking to blend experience with youth for a successful 2024 campaign.
The Mets’ 2024 season looks set to be an exciting blend of well-known players and new talent. By bringing in new players and having key members come back, they hope to fix the problems from last year and go for a big win in the NL East. The team’s success will depend a lot on how well their batters and pitchers do, as well as how they deal with the uncertainties of some of their main players.
