5 important Mets spring training storylines to keep your eyes glued to

5) Prospects making an early case for a big league promotion

Drew Gilbert isn’t the only notable prospect making a claim for some playing time this year. Several other hyped Mets prospects will be there at camp. The team doesn’t appear quite ready to clear a spot out for anyone nor should they rush them to the big leagues. Spring training is still an opportunity for prospects to make an early case for a big league promotion early in the season.

We were reminded last year of how quickly plans can change with the youngsters. Francisco Alvarez was summoned to the majors quickly after an injury to catcher Omar Narvaez. Due to a lack of offensive firepower coming from third baseman Eduardo Escobar, hot-hitting Brett Baty received his chance to enter the lineup.

How the Mets have handled prospects in the recent past has been a highly-debated topic. The 2022 season was a primary example. Despite having the need for a bat and several minor leaguers tearing Triple-A pitchers apart, they held back.

This year, the expectation is for several prospects to debut at some point. Players like Baty, Stewart, and Vientos should feel them breathing down their necks. The front office shouldn’t force something not clicking to continue when there are others who could win games. Every victory matters, especially in the coming year when sneaking into the playoffs is the likeliest best-case scenario.