2 Mets who have already redeemed themselves, 1 who still has much more to prove

The New York Mets entered this season with a lot of hype around them after having a busy offseason. Despite having many big names on their roster though, many of these players had down seasons last year, which left some wondering if they'd be able to return to form.

Two of these players have rebounded in a big way and proven that they are valuable members of the team. Their rebounds have been integral to the team's hot start to the season in 2022. However, one player has not rebounded and is off to a sluggish start yet again to begin 2022.

Francisco Lindor is looking like the superstar the Mets traded for

When the Mets traded for Francisco Lindor last year and signed him to a 10-year, $341 million extension, they thought they were getting one of the top players in all of baseball to build their franchise around. However, last year many began to question if he was worth that contract after he struggled for much of the season, and looked overmatched at the plate at times.

2022 is a different year though, as Lindor has returned to form, proving that he is not only one of the top shortstops in all of baseball, but he's also one of the league's most exciting stars regardless of position. Lindor isn't just having a great statistical season thus far, he is proving that he is a clutch player, as he has continuously come through in big moments.

Lindor has come up with a walk-off hit, two home runs in the home opener, big hits with runners in scoring position, stolen bases, and some nice plays in the field. Add to that his infectious smile and personality, which seems to resonate inside the locker room, and it's clear that Lindor has emerged as a leader for this Mets team as well.

The Mets needed Lindor to rebound after a poor first season in New York, and now that he's fully acclimated to the city, he is proving he is the player that they traded for and extended. His bat, leadership, speed, and defense have been just what the Mets have needed, and have gone a long way towards proving the Mets are a contender in the National League.

James McCann signing still doesn't look good

Unlike Lindor and Carrasco, James McCann has not improved upon his play from last year. In fact, he might be having a worse year thus far, as he started off 3-25 this year. Unlike Lindor, McCann is not only not hitting, but he has not performed with runners in scoring position either.

His shaky start has resulted in less playing time, as Tomás Nido has seen an uptick in playing time. While Nido doesn't provide much with the bat either, he does provide a defensive upgrade over McCann, so until either of the two start to hit, look for Buck Showalter to continue splitting their playing time.

Last offseason, McCann signed a four-year contract worth $40.6 million, and the Mets were hoping they'd get the production they'd get out of him in his two years with the White Sox, which included an All-Star appearance.

The Mets will hope for McCann to turn things around as the season progresses, otherwise this will be a contract that will look like a waste of money on their payroll. But, he does still have time to turn things around, and with the rest of the lineup hitting and the rotation looking strong, McCann's slow start has not hurt them yet. However, the team will need more out of the catcher position as the year goes along, whether that is from Nido, McCann or both.

Clearly, the Mets have impressed early on in the season, and the hot starts from Lindor and Carrasco have been huge parts of that. And, while James McCann has started off slow yet again, there is a lot to like about how the Mets have played thus far, and there is a lot for the Mets fanbase to be excited about going forward.