Where the New York Mets players rank in the NL Rookie of the Year race

In a season where the New York Mets have not lived up to expectations, two players have constantly been under a microscope: Kodai Senga and Francisco Alvarez. The two Mets rookies have had mixed seasons, with both showing potential to be stars for the foreseeable future. But, both have had their struggles as well.

At the start of July, Senga has a record of 6-5 with an ERA of 3.53, and in his last start he passed the 100 strikeouts mark for the season. But, it has not all been flowers for the 30 year old, as he has struggled on the road; away from Citi Field, he has a 4.58 ERA. On the other hand, Alvarez has shown his undeniable power for the Mets and currently has 13 home runs, which is third on the team. But, he is coming off of a long slump.

This leads us to the question: Are either good enough to make a run for NL Rookie of the Year?

Due to the up-and-down play of both Senga and Alvarez, combined with the talent in the National League, both Mets players are on the outside looking in.

Senga and Alvarez have both lived up to their potential at times, but have also gone through slumps that most first year players have. Senga has the potential to shift into the NL Rookie of the Year race with a strong second half of the season. If he is able to put it together away from Citi Field and keep consistency from start-to-start, he will slide into the race.

Alvarez has that same potential, but would need to find stable hitting at the plate. In June, he has a .151 average, his worst in a month yet. He recently has been better, with hits in two of his last four along with a home run, but consistency would get him back into the race.

But, we also have to talk about the elephant in the room: the National League has exceptional rookies, some of which are running away with the race.

Starting with Corbin Carroll, who is the runaway favorite. Caroll is batting .289 with 17 home runs and 44 RBIs, and was recently selected as a starter for the 2023 all star game. Since signing an eight-year, $111 million contract extension this offseason, he has lived up to the bargain and more.

Elly de La Cruz has been electrifying since coming into the league and if he continues his play, he is the most likely to catch Carroll. The next two also have to be Reds' rookies in Matt McLain and Andrew Abbott, both who have put together solid seasons. Fifth, Eury Perez has been consistent enough to be ahead of Senga and Alvarez.

The bottom line here is Senga and Alvarez both have a long ways to go to be considered for NL Rookie of the Year honors. Both will need vast improvement to get this national recognition that some Mets fans think they deserve.