3 Mets players we should raise the bar for in 2023

Expectations are high for the New York Mets in 2023. The team should continue to add before Opening Day in their quest to have a much-improved roster over the 101-win club from last year. It’s a tough mission but doable.

There are certain players who underachieved last season. For them, we’ll lower the bar. Others are trending upward. We’re going to raise the bar for them.

It’s these three returning players we should do our best Oliver Twists and say, “please sir, I want some more.”

1) NY Mets relief pitcher Drew Smith can accomplish more in 2023

Drew Smith had an unbelievably strong stretch in 2022. He didn’t give up an earned run until May 13. He’s someone fans have been eyeing ever since the team acquired him in 2017 in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for Lucas Duda. No doubt a winning deal by the Mets, Smith has grown into a steady presence in the bullpen when healthy.

It’s the last two seasons where Smith has finally been able to remain on the field with some frequency. He logged 41.1 innings in 2021 and another 46 last year. He now owns a lifetime 3.24 ERA. As one of the few returning relievers we can actually have some faith in, it’s important he steps up in a big way.

If there is one complaint about Smith it would be his tendency to serve up home runs. He gave up 1.8 per 9 innings last season which is well above what anyone would like to see.

Smith isn’t a kid any longer. He turned 29 in September and will need to become one of Buck Showalter’s surest things in the bullpen. He doesn’t have to outpitch David Robertson. What Smith needs to do is be a savior at the back end when Robertson or Edwin Diaz aren’t available. He should also see plenty of action before either of them touch the ball. Mastering the seventh inning should be a goal for Smith in 2023.

3) NY Mets catching prospect Francisco Alvarez needs to be ready

No pressure, kid.

But also, we need you!

Buzz about what Francisco Alvarez can accomplish has been a storyline for Mets fans to watch in these recent years. One of the more exciting young prospects the franchise has had in recent memory, we’ll all have patience with him yet also ask him to exceed our expectations in 2023.

Alvarez has a great shot at making the Opening Day roster. Whether he’s the starting catcher and/or a DH option, the Mets could really use his bat in the lineup.

The catcher position has been an especially problematic one for this organization in recent years. There have been moments and bright spots at times. Nothing has ever settled.

We probably won’t see the best of Alvarez in 2023 nor should we expect him to become one of those rare MVP/Rookie of the Year candidates. We aren’t out of line to raise the bar on our demands of him.

Accepting slumps, growing pains, and even a poorly put-together season when it’s all over statistically is actually higher than what some may have in mind for Alvarez in his first major league season. What fans want the most are signs of improvement and maybe the occasional long home run with a few men on base.