3 Mets players we should lower the bar for in 2023

Previously on Rising Apple, we raised the bar for a couple of members of the New York Mets roster. Things have changed since then. The roster outlook is a bit different at the moment.

Nonetheless, there are certain players returning from last year whose hypothetical bar should be moved. After raising the bar for some, we’re going to courteously lower it for three more.

This, by no means, allows them to cruise through the 2023 season. Each can contribute in a major way. There just might not be as much pressure as previously believed.

1) The NY Mets will have a better backup plan for Eduardo Escobar this year

Eduardo Escobar’s role with the Mets is going to change in 2023. Even without Carlos Correa joining the ball club, there’s Brett Baty to take on some innings at third base. Escobar should see significant time at the hot corner while also getting some playing time as the right-handed DH alongside Daniel Vogelbach. He’ll need to hit well for the latter.

Escobar took until late in the season to begin hitting. When he did find his stroke in the final month of the season, it was enough for him to win the National League Player of the Month.

Many believed Escobar could challenge for 30 home runs last season. He ended up with only 20. Eight of them came in September and October. It was a long, grueling year for him with batting averages of .220 or lower in every month of the season except the first and last.

In a more limited role, Escobar could thrive. We’ll lower the bar for him anyway. We’ll be thrilled with any sort of consistent production he can deliver.

2) The NY Mets should expect a less from Tylor Megill

Tylor Megill began the 2022 season in the starting rotation. In fact, in case you forgot, he started on Opening Day for the Mets. An injury late in spring forced Jacob deGrom to the IL. Rather than try to rush Max Scherzer out without the expected days of rest, Buck Showalter turned to Megill for help.

Megill will be a candidate to do something similar this year in case of injury alongside David Peterson. Through his first 137 innings of work, Megill has shown there is a ton of talent in his arm. However, the results just haven’t shown.

Megill is now 8-8 with a 4.73 ERA. After a couple of strong starts to the 2022 season, Megill got roughed up and his numbers were never able to recover. He was out for most of the year before returning in a bullpen role. The Mets can choose to use him in relief again this season. With minor league options available, it might be wiser to keep him stretched out for the occasional start.

For a brief time, it looked like Megill was headed toward a permanent spot in the rotation. His sudden rise in 2021 made everyone a fan. The numbers tell us he might not be much more than a back-of-the-rotation guy.

There is time and hope Megill can figure things out and stay healthy this coming year. When he does embark on the journey known as the 2023 season, he’ll do so with the bar lowered.