The New York Mets made the mistake of relying on too many veteran players in the last two seasons.
It worked in 2022, when they won 101 games and made the playoffs.
However, the strategy backfired this past season, when Justin Verlander, Starling Marte, Max Scherzer, and other players well over 30 years old suffered a litany of injuries.
After their actions at the deadline declared them a selling, “retooling” organization, they gave their young, MLB-ready prospects a chance to shine.
MLB Network posted a graphic with the Mets’ future stars and their numbers.
The young core in Queens. pic.twitter.com/HhcoSZ5AGE
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 29, 2023
Even though their OPS+ marks weren’t all that favorable (all the listed players were below the league average of 100 OPS+), you could see that most of them are promising.
It’s not uncommon for rookies to struggle in their first taste of major league pitching.
Francisco Alvarez, for example, hit 25 home runs in 123 games.
For a catcher, that represents incredible offensive performance, and he will get better as he matures.
Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Ronny Mauricio didn’t fare as well in 2023, but their minor league performance, age, and skills suggest that if they are given everyday opportunities, they could blossom into reliable MLB starters.
With Francisco Lindor, Jeff McNeil, and Pete Alonso occupying three infield positions, the prospects know the competition is going to be fierce.
They have to earn their position and their at-bats just like everybody else in any other organization.
They do represent the future, and will have to work on their skills in the offseason and spring training to stand above the rest.
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