3 ex-Mets having All-Star worthy seasons in 2023

The 2023 New York Mets aren’t stacked with All-Star candidates. Pete Alonso’s power could get him there. In a season of lean production from shortstops, Francisco Lindor might get his chance. Then there’s David Robertson as a potential representative from the club’s bullpen.

This year’s All-Star Game won’t be flush with members of the Flushing ball club. However, it does look like at least three former Mets could land in Seattle to represent their ball clubs.

It’s these three former Mets who look most bound to become the subject of a Smashmouth song and become All-Stars.

1) Former Mets player who deserves an All-Star roster spot: Michael Wacha

Michael Wacha is a forgettable member of Mets history. Remember the 2020 season? Blink and you missed it.

Wacha was one of several bad additions to the Mets that season. The starting rotation struggled in a major way with Wacha as one of the big culprits.

Wacha made 7 starts and had a relief appearance in the shortened season. He went 1-4 with a 6.62 ERA. It was a grind to watch him pitch. The gamble by Brodie Van Wagenen couldn’t have been much worse.

After a disappointing 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Rays, Wacha rebounded with the Boston Red Sox in 2022. He was 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA last season. This year, now with the San Diego Padres, Wacha is doing even better.

Now 14 starts into his Padres’ tenure, Wacha is 7-2 with a 2.90 ERA. From a roster where it appeared they could have multiple All-Star candidates, Wacha is the lone starting pitcher of the bunch with numbers to justify an appearance. Closer Josh Hader as well as outfielders Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. have made a case. Wacha could end up as a snub.

If Wacha is selected as an All-Star this year it would be the second time of his career. The last time was in 2015 during a year where he won 17 games for the St. Louis Cardinals.