4) Luis Guillorme in 2023
Luis Guillorme is to the Mets infield what Nido was to the catcher spot. Both known for being lighter hitters who occasionally came up with a big clutch hit, their defensive prowess is what helped make them greater fan favorites even if most of their highlights are pedestrian. Guillorme had a superb ability to make a pitcher. Some very good albeit power absent seasons with the Mets, his career mirrored Nido’s closely. Each player saw a significant rise in playing time during the 2022 season. In 2023, Guillorme would have another chance to contribute regularly.
Preseason statistics for Guillorme included a .324/.432/.432 slash line and 7 walks versus 8 strikeouts. Of his 12 hits, 4 were doubles. Following his .273/.351/.340 performance from the year prior, it was exactly what we wanted to see from him.
Unfortunately, Guillorme left his wizardry behind. He would go on to hit only .224/.288/.327 for the Mets in 2023. His playing time reduced and he was even demoted at one point. He was unceremoniously non-tendered when the season ended. It looks like it was the right decision. As a member of three different teams in 2024, Guillorme managed to hit .205/.301/.273. Still a player we look back at fondly, it had one of those far too typical poor endings.