The New York Mets did not have a fun 2023 season, finishing fourth in the National League East with a 75-87 record. Many of the players who shined in 2022, struggled throughout this past season.
After taking a huge step back, Steve Cohen decided to bring in the organization's first-ever President of Baseball Operations. Former Milwaukee Brewers General Manager David Stearns will be calling the shots in New York now, and he is inheriting some talented players.
Stearns will likely be looking to bring in some All-Star level talent to join the Mets, but he already might have a few on the roster. In 2022 New York showed what they can do when they're at their best, as they won 101 games.
The best teams have stars, and there is no doubt that the Mets do have some stars. In 2023, the majority of their stars struggled at key points in the year, which ultimately led to the down season.
New York can get back to being the best, but they need their stars to play like stars. If these four Mets play up to their standards next season, they can easily be All-Stars in 2024:
These four Mets must return to star status
4. Jeff McNeil
Jeff McNeil went off in 2022, winning the batting title with a stellar .326 batting average. From 2018-2020 he had three consecutive seasons with a BA above .300. In 2019 and 2022, he represented New York in the All-Star Game.
In 2023, the 31-year-old didn't have one of those seasons. He struggled for almost the entire 2023 season, as he had a .249 BA and 90 hits through his first 100 games. When McNeil is not hitting consistently, he isn't a factor. His OPS across that stretch was a lousy .648.
McNeil's last 56 games of 2023 were similar to his usual self. The 2x all-star hit .305, had a .814 OPS, along with tacking on 68 hits.
Whatever the 31-year-old was doing in the latter part of the season is what he should do for the entirety of 2024. When the Mets made the playoffs in 2022, McNeil was an essential factor.
If New York wants to find success next season, they are going to need McNeil to get back to his old ways. Performing at an all-star level is the exact way to do that.
3. Francisco Lindor
New York's star shortstop proved he was still one of the best at his positions, with an impressive season on both ends of the field. Francisco Lindor is not only a finalist to win a Gold Glove, but he also had the second-most home runs by all shortstops in 2023 with 31.
The 29-year-old also swiped 31 bags this past season, which made him the first Mets player to achieve that feat since David Wright did in 2007. One thing Lindor has yet to do in New York is represent them in the All-Star Game.
Before the 2023 all-star break, Lindor played 90 games. Across that stretch, he only had 82 hits, along with a .239 BA and an OPS below .800.
After the 2023 all-star break, Lindor played in 70 games. He had 72 hits across that stretch. The 2x Silver Slugger also had a .817 OPS with .274 BA across the stretch.
The second-half version of Lindor is the one the Mets want to see in 2024. If they get that version, then it could be the first season New York fans see their beloved SS represent them in the All-Star Game.
2. Kodai Senga
The Mets took a risk last offseason when they signed former NPB pitcher Kodai Senga to a five-year deal. After a stellar 2023, it looks like that move is going to pay off.
Senga is the favorite to win the NL Rookie of the Year award, on top of making the All-Star squad in his first season in MLB.
The 30-year-old is the ace of the Mets staff right now, as he looked like one of the best pitchers in baseball. Senga finished with a 2.98 ERA, which was second in the NL.
New York does need to add more pitching over the offseason, but they don't need to look for too many aces. In a league where having multiple aces is almost necessary to win, the Mets already have one in Senga.
If the Mets want to make a playoff push next season, they're going to need another strong season from Senga. After making the All-Star team in his first season, fans are hoping he can do the same in 2024.
1. Edwin Diaz
After missing the entire 2023 season due to a major injury to his knee, Edwin Diaz will be looking to pick right up where he left off. When the Mets won over 100 games in 2022, the star closer was arguably the team's MVP.
In 61 games, Diaz held a 1.31 ERA. It was the third time in his career he finished with an ERA under 2.00, which goes to show you how lights out he can be.
This upcoming 2024 season will be a highly-anticipated one. All eyes were on Diaz whenever he entered the ballgame before his injury. When the trumpets played in Queens, fans would immediately get out of their seats.
The two-time All-Star will be looking to regain his magic after missing an entire season, and New York would love to have it as well.