3 Spring Training observations fans should be concerned about

Steve Cohen and the entire New York Mets organization have invested a lot of effort, time, and above all, money this offseason to build a roster capable of reaching the World Series. This effort involved decisions about possible contract extensions and replacements to achieve the goal.

Now, this process is being put to the test in spring training after months of negotiations. The Mets have been able to watch many positive aspects that fill fans with optimism but some of them cause concern.

1) Mets pitchers Jose Quintana and Carlos Carrasco's early performances and health issues

The Mets have managed to assemble a good core of their starting rotation with two future Hall-of-Famers, a Japanese star with high upside, and two good deep pitchers. This healthy core could become the best rotation in all of baseball.

However, despite the good outings thus far displayed by the top three in the rotation, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Kodai Senga, the following starting pitchers have posted worrisome performances. Carlos Carrasco has made two outings thus far posting a 5.40 ERA after allowing three earned runs in five six-hit innings, generating a 1.40 WHIP and an opposition batting average of .300.

Jose Quintana had a disastrous first start in spring training allowing five runs in just one inning of work. According to Quintana, this poor performance in his first outing was due to an adjustment due to the pitching clock. In his second outing, he came out with an injury currently being evaluated.

The poor performance of Carrasco and Quintana and the injury of the latter put the Mets' rotation at early risk. The team has enough depth to cover positions but the permanence of these two starters in the team is necessary for a favorable performance moving forward.

2) The status of Mets outfielder Starling Marte

Starling Marte has been a good signing for the Mets in their aspirations to compete for a championship. In 118 games played last year, Marte racked up 16 home runs, with 76 runs scored, 63 RBI, and 18 stolen bases with a .292/.347/.468/.814 line.

Marte lost games in 2022 for multiple reasons. First, a left oblique tightness in March, left quadriceps discomfort in June, groin tightness in July, and a non-displaced fracture of his right middle finger, in September. Then, in the offseason, he underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury he suffered in the second half of last year.

The Dominican was supposed to be ready and healthy for spring training but has yet to see action. The delay in Marte's return may jeopardize his opening-day status with the team.

Marte's presence in the Mets lineup and the outfield is vital to every matchup. Especially since the Mets don't have enough depth and reliable players to fill these holes on both sides of the ball. Let's hope the outfielder can be fully recovered and in time to start the season with the team, who must start on the right foot if they are to face the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East pennant.