5 Mets players who need to make the most of any playing time they get in 2023

The New York Mets have punted on 2023. That much is clear. They traded away not only the upcoming free agents, but also both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. The end of this season will be ugly, but there're still important things to look out for.

The Mets waving the white flag on 2023 gives opportunities for those to play who might not have had a shot. We know that players like Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor, and Kodai Senga will be in Mets uniforms in 2024, but there're several other players with so much to play for.

Whether it's young prospects or veterans hoping for one last shot with the Mets, these five players must make the most of the added playing time they're going to get in 2023. These players won't lead to many wins, but solid individual performances can land them a spot with the 2024 Mets or at least on another team.

1) David Peterson needs to make the most of his latest chance in the NY Mets rotation

It feels like David Peterson has gotten thousands of chances in the Mets rotation, yet he's never stuck. When he's pitching well, the Mets have five other good starters to bump him from the rotation. When there's an opening, he seems to fold under the pressure.

Peterson wasn't even supposed to open the season in the Mets rotation. He was the team's sixth starter, much like last season, but was pressed into action when Justin Verlander and Jose Quintana landed on the IL. It's safe to say Peterson did not make the most of his opportunity.

The southpaw struggled mightily, posting a 8.08 ERA in his first eight starts of the season. He allowed at least four runs in all but two of those outings, and completed six innings just once. The Mets were 1-7 in those starts, as Peterson was definitely a reason the team started out slowly. The southpaw was sent down after allowing six runs in five innings against the lowly Nationals.

He came back in late-June as the Mets needed a spot-starter and he pitched great, delivering six scoreless frames against the Brewers. Peterson pitched well in the three starts he made as his 2.35 ERA would dictate, but he was still moved to the bullpen. After a rough start to that role, Peterson didn't allow a run in any of his final three outings. Now that Verlander and Scherzer are gone, Peterson took one of the vacant rotation spots.

The left-hander pitched pretty well in his first start against the Orioles, delivering three scoreless frames, but walks remained a problem as he issued three free-passes. Peterson won't go deep for now as he stretches out, but once he's ready to go, he needs to pitch well. If he does, he might earn himself a spot in the 2024 roster in some capacity.