3 offseason additions we should already be concerned about

The New York Mets haven’t played a game with any meaning and yet there’s already reason for concern. What else is new? It’s a part of being a sports fan.

While new additions like Justin Verlander should have fans feeling confident, the status of others could have us going to the darkest depths of our own minds.

These three offseason additions have already given us concern.

1) NY Mets fans should be very concerned about Jose Quintana offering anything

Jose Quintana is going to be gone a long time. If he pitches for the Mets before the All-Star Break, consider it a win. The Edwin Diaz injury news has since taken over as the biggest pain for this ball club. The loss of Quintana for months puts them in a large bind as well.

Signed for two years at $13 million per, the Mets rewarded Quintana for his awesome 2022 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and more so the St. Louis Cardinals. After battling injuries in 2020 and 2021 along with some bad performances, he rebounded in a major way. The veteran lefty put together one of his better seasons paving the way to have a big season for the Mets in 2023.

Mets fans know how badly missing the first half of the season can damage a pitcher’s year. Carlos Carrasco was horrendous for them in 2021. Jason Vargas had his own trouble coming back from two early injuries in 2018.

Expectations for Quintana now reset completely. Thanks to the presence of Tylor Megill and David Peterson, we at least know the backup options are competent. It’s just a shame we have to use them this soon.

3) NY Mets fans feeling cautious about Brooks Raley aren’t wrong

Diaz wasn’t the only Mets pitcher to suffer an injury during the WBC. Brooks Raley, who had planned to represent the United States, exited before action began. It’s probably for the best. The Mets cannot afford to be without their lone lefty in the bullpen.

Unlike Quintana and Pham, the Mets had to make a trade to acquire Raley. He was brought over from the Tampa Bay Rays in a swap to provide them with what we remain hopeful is a big upgrade to the bullpen. Following last year’s absence of any reliable lefty reliable, having him available throughout the season feels like a must for the Mets.

Concerns about Raley may be unwarranted but with no appearances for the team since dropping out of the WBC, one has to wonder if the team is being cautious or if the injury is something more serious.

The Mets don’t have too many places they can turn with Raley out. Their left-handed reliever depth is weak. Signing Zack Britton isn’t exactly the most exhilarating addition for them to make. Plenty of right-handed relievers can get the job done against lefty but that lack of balance remains concerning. 

Left with no answers at the moment about Raley’s status, it’s the waiting game Mets fans are enduring with him raising concerns.