Tylor Megill will become the next fan favorite in 2024

The New York Mets often possess a roster filled with many likable players. The most important aspect of any sports franchise is to build a connection between the players and the fanbase. This strategy is reflected by the player jerseys we wear to the ballpark. In the 1970's, the name 'Seaver' could be spotted all over Shea Stadium. In the late '90s and early 2000s, the name 'Piazza' became a commonality. Let's not forget the most popular Mets roster, 1986, where fans sported jerseys of so many franchise icons. Even 6 years after retirement, fans like myself still represent David Wright's number 5 at every game.

The 2024 roster has some obvious fan favorites. Lifelong Mets Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo have become the most popular given not only their talent level but their outgoing personalities as well. Aside from the most common, diehard fans will also be seeking a new player to call their most coveted in 2024.

Tylor Megill will become a new fan favorite this season.

Throughout the franchise's history, the most popular players have always been the homegrown, dominant starting pitcher. Dwight Gooden's rookie season is still lauded as the most dynamic, while Tom Seaver never failed when he toed the rubber. In recent years, we all fell in love with the "Flushing Five" as Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, and Noah Syndergaard's name still live in Citi Field infamy.

The 2024 opening day rotation will feature just one lifelong Met in Tylor Megill. While his 3 seasons in the major leagues have not been spectacular, Megill has an opportunity to become a trustworthy arm heading into the future. For the fans, who is better to welcome into our fandom than a 27-year-old homegrown Met with something to prove?

Secondly, Megill's blue-collar work ethic this spring reflects the ambitious nature of all of us New Yorkers. Megill was not guaranteed a 26-man roster spot heading into spring training, let alone a starting pitching role. After spending all offseason refining his pitch arsenal alongside coach Jeremy Hefner, Megill has been rewarded for his strong efforts. His 3.45 ERA in 16 innings pitched this spring is a welcomed result as Megill looks to bounce back from a mediocre 2023 performance.

Finally, Megill has worked this spring to better define his mechanics and retool his repertoire to become more unpredictable to opposing batters. The most interesting pitch in Megill's new arsenal is his new split changeup. To throw this pitch, Megill uses a similar grip to Kodai Senga's 'ghost fork' but draws more parallel to Zack Wheeler's split changeup. As a result, the 27-year-old came up with a nickname that will rest well with patriots like myself: the "American Ghost Fork". Anything that uses the name 'America' will always resonate well with those of us who take great pride in the United States. Megill took it upon himself to reflect his patriotism as well by nicknaming his weapon after the red, white, and blue.