The big ones weren’t over Carlos Correabut that doesn’t mean they didn’t have a successful offseason that saw their luxury tax payroll hit a historic $368 million.
Coming off a 101-win season in 2022, Steve Cohen and co. preserved stars such as Edwin Diaz and: Brandon Nimmoreigning Cy Young Award winner at signing; Justin Verlanderadding the Japanese phenom Kodai Senga and veteran lefty starter Jose Quintanaamong other key steps.
The Mets may have fallen short in the Wild Card round last season, but their roster is still well-positioned to make a deep run this October. Betting experts also think so.
According to BetMGM, the Mets are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second-best odds to win the World Series at +750.
So without further ado, here are the three keys to the Mets winning the 2023 World Series.
The health of Verlander and Scherzer
After losing Jacob de Grom The Mets traded him to the Texas Rangers for future Hall of Famer Verlander, pairing him with another future Hall of Famer. Max Scherzer.
Now, Verlander and Scherzer are still in their prime, but the former is 40 and the latter 39. This calls into question whether they will be able to stay healthy throughout the season.
Scherzer missed significant time last year with an oblique strain and struggled throughout the season in what appeared to be some discomfort.
As for Verlander, he stayed healthy throughout the regular season and postseason, helping the Houston Astros win the World Series. But before last season, Verlander missed nearly two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020.
If the Mets are going to be serious World Series contenders in 2023, a lot will depend on the arms and health of Verlander and Scherzer.
Enough insulting
After missing Correa, the Mets seem short. Although they were fifth in runs scored a season ago and bring back the same lineup, the offense lacked power and struggled to find consistency.
So if this Big team is going to have enough offense, one of two factors must come into play. Francisco Alvarez and/or Brett Betty perform as young stars are expected to, or CEO Billy Eppler adds a big bat at the trade deadline.
The Mets’ offense is solid, but probably not good enough to hoist a World Series trophy as is. If this club wants to win a championship in 2023, Alvarez and/or Bati will be stars, or the front office brings in a star bat with big power.
In addition to added juice, whether it’s a prospect or an outfielder, the Mets need double major pitching; Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and: Starling Mars.
The bullpen
Like the offense, the question that remains to be seen is whether the Mets have added enough to their bullpen this offseason.
The greats lost Seth Lugo, Trevor Williams and: Joel Rodriguezand let go Michael Givensbut returned the best reliever in baseball to their closer in Diaz, re-signed Adam Ottavinowho is coming off a great season signed David Robertson and added left Brooks Reilly. Drew Smith will also return to this unit.
But beyond this group lies an abundance of depth pieces; Tommy Hunter, Jimmy Yacabonis, John Curtis, Steven Readings, Jeff Brigham and: Eliezer Hernandez, among others.
Adults have shown interest Andrew Chaffee and: Zach Brittonbut SNY reported that those are “long shots” given that the team is looking for optional weapons.
So if the Mets are going to contend for a World Series title, Diaz needs to come close to the amazing campaign he put together in 2022. They will also need their establishment men, Ottavino and Robertson, to serve as playmakers. reliable bridge to Diaz in the ninth. Smith and Reilly should also pitch in high-leverage situations.
In addition to getting production from the big guns, several depth pitchers should perform when called upon throughout the season as well.
Ultimately, the Mets will likely need to acquire another reliever at the trade deadline to help them during their run and into the postseason.
If the bullpen lives up to expectations, the Mets will have a pretty good chance of claiming a World Series title.
Read more:
– MLB Insider says these 2 relievers are “long shots” for Mes
– What do the Elders get in Kodai Senga?
– The Marlins tried to trade for Mets top prospect Brett Baty
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