3 Mets overreactions from opening day weekend

A tumultuous first series of the 2023 season ended this past Sunday with the New York Mets sitting at 3-1 atop the National League East. The Mets received great contributions across the lineup, which were all needed against an improved Miami Marlins team.

This early into the season, basically any reaction to how the team has played is an overreaction. Following an Opening Day win and a close game two loss, these overreactions were abound amongst Mets fans across Twitter. However, we can find a middle line here between an unrealistic overreaction, such as Tommy Pham hitting .444 all year, and something that seems a bit more plausible for the Mets future outlook this season.

NY Mets Overreaction #1: Kodai Senga will win National League Rookie of the Year

Kodai Senga has arguably the highest potential of any pitcher on the Mets, and he showed us glimpses of that in his first MLB game on Sunday. After a nervous start, Senga settled in and held the Marlins to one run over 5.1 innings. He earned his first MLB victory and struck out eight in what turned into a very impressive debut for the Japanese flamethrower.

Senga's most notable pitch is his "ghost forkball," which was on full display in Miami. A breaking pitch that is incredibly difficult to predict, Senga went to this pitch for all eight strikeouts, including his first MLB strikeout that sent Yuri Gurriel's bat into orbit. He was borderline untouchable at points, only allowing a single and a walk over the last 17 batters he faced. With his first start under his belt, Senga figures to only improve from here.

If Senga is able to hold around a 3.00 ERA and the Mets continue to give him run support, there is a clear path to bring the Rookie of the Year award to Flushing. He'll be one of the top starters on a World Series contender, and will have the support of the New York and Japanese media along the way.

The competition will be tough. Corbin Carroll had a remarkable opening series that included a three steal day, and Jordan Walker is already looking ahead of schedule as a serious slugger. However, if the Mets have a great season and Senga is a large contributor, him and his ghost forkball should have a great chance of winning Rookie of the Year and provide the Mets with a fantastic #3 option for the playoffs.

NY Mets Overreaction #2: Eduardo Escobar is already losing his grasp of the starting 3B position

To the dismay of many Mets fans, Brett Baty did not make the New York Mets Opening Day roster. Instead, Eduardo Escobar retained his hold on the starting position for the start of the season. Going into Miami, Escobar had a great opportunity to prove to Mets staff and fans alike that he can be the starting third baseball of a World Series contender, despite Baty looming in the minor leagues.

To say that Escobar's opening weekend was a disaster would be an understatement. In 16 at bats, Escobar only mustered one hit, a single against Tanner Scott on Opening Day. He didn't find his way on base at all during the remaining four games, which included a staggering seven strikeouts. Going into Milwaukee, Escobar's batting average is a horrific .063.

Meanwhile, Baty had a fantastic opening weekend for the Syracuse Mets, hitting .357 over the weekend. He had a monstrous game this past Saturday, going 4-5 with a grand slam in a Syracuse victory. He is showing all the flashes of an MLB ready player, and may already have the front office reconsidering their decision to demote him.

Mets fans are not known for their patience, and will turn on Escobar unless he bounces back. The same can be said for the front office; Steve Cohen has shown with his wallet that he is serious about winning, and having a weak link in the lineup won't sit well with him. If he continues to struggle, it might be sooner than we think before Brett Baty is the starting third baseman for the New York Mets.