Mets stories we hope to see unfold in the 2023 season
The 2023 season comes with hopes and expectations from the entire New York Mets organization and its fans, but also with a lot of pressure. We are entering year three of Steve Cohen's reign, implying that time is running out for them to achieve the goal of winning a World Series in the first five years of his tenure as a team owner.
The team has a well-structured roster, capable of achieving and reaching multiple goals this upcoming season. Also, as fans, there are specific stories that we would like to see unfold in 2023.
1) Mets top prospects Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez fighting for the National League Rookie of the Year Award
The number one and two prospects in the Mets organization and number 3 and 21 in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez, look practically ready at the plate. Both have the necessary skills to have a sustainable offense in MLB, projecting themselves as All-Stars in their respective careers.
In the case of Alvarez, his greatest weakness continues to be his defense, since his power and discipline at the plate have proven to be elite throughout his career in the minors. In Baty, the Mets have a tremendous player who must refine his defense at third base and reduce his contact via ground ball, which has been fine-tuned over time.
These two players could have a good spring training that leads them to earn a spot on the opening day roster, but everything seems that the Mets prefer to wait for further development. Regardless of when they come up, they have the potential to put up the numbers needed to win the National League Rookie of the Year award. A battle between the two while helping the team win the division would be great for the front office, Steve Cohen, and all the Mets fans.
2) The retirement of former Mets Captain David Wright's number
David Wright is one of the most popular Mets players ever. He has always been considered a fan favorite for his dedication on and off the field, his production (when healthy), and his leadership. Wright is just one of four captains the team has had.
As he was called, after his performance at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, Captain America has been one of the most productive Mets hitters in history despite seeing his career interrupted by injuries in 2018. Wright was a seven-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner.
Despite not having Hall Fame numbers, due to injuries that prevented him from staying on the field, regarding the franchise, the Captain is the team leader in various departments. Wright is the franchise leader in hits, runs, RBIs, and doubles and second in home runs.
He has everything it takes for the Mets organization to retire his number, the only question is when. It would be great and a boost for the fans if this year we could see an event at Citi Field honoring our forever captain as he deserves. A person who gave himself physically to the team and proved to be the leader that everyone needed.
3) The first MVP award in Mets history
One of the players who has caused the greatest impact on the Mets has been Francisco Lindor. Since his arrival on the team in 2021, an atmosphere of cultural change and competitiveness has been felt.
Lindor represents the starter of the new era of Steve Cohen, a charismatic, versatile, and productive player in a premium position. The Puerto Rican-born perhaps did not have the best start with the team in 2021, posting the lowest numbers of his career in batting average and OPS+. However, in 2022 he had a rebound.
The adaptation of a player to the New York market can be difficult and slow, but Lindor has adjusted quite quickly. Last season was one of his most productive as a player, driving in over a hundred runs and finishing with a team-best 6.8 fWAR and sixth in the league.
Lindor is a great hitter and an excellent defensive player, top in his position. 2023 augurs better results for Lindor, with the opportunity to add more stolen bases to his record (thanks to the increase in the size of the bases).
Francisco Lindor has all the skills and talent to put on the best year of his career and win the MVP of the National League, something that no other Met has achieved in its history. Surprising for a team that had stars like Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry, or Mike Piazza.
4) The Mets would break the franchise record for wins in a single season
The Mets haven't posted many 100-win-plus campaigns in a season. What's more, in addition to the 1986 season when they won 108 games, only three additional years have they managed to surpass the 100-game mark, 1969, 1988, and 2022.
It is quite fascinating that the year in which they were most dominant in their history is the one in which they have the highest winning record and coincides with the last title they achieved. That is to say, the relation between victories with the probability of reaching the championship is pretty accurate.
The Mets last year had an excellent run winning the second most games in their history thanks to their incredible hitting performances and great pitching staff. Not even that famous 2006 team could reach a record like this.
A motivating factor entering this 2023 is the team's desire to show that what happened at the end of last season will not be repeated. The front office has managed to assemble a good roster with players who already know the New York market and the division.
This means that if everything goes according to plan, we can have the best year in the history of the Mets managing to break the franchise win record and who knows if they crowning champions. This would be not only a goal but the dream of every fan of the team.