It’s the beginning of a new year, New York Mets fans. Now is the time to shake off the negative thoughts after last season and focus on what’s coming in 2024.
Although it was brought up by owner Steve Cohen that the goal is to build up the farm system to be ready for contention by 2025, it doesn’t mean that the Mets can’t make the postseason and win a championship in 2024. After all, they hired David Stearns as their new president of baseball operations in October 2023. Many fans have already questioned him due to the lack of actions in free agency. However, the offseason is still ongoing and spring training hasn’t even started yet. There is still time left to sign a big-name free-agent player and offer contract extensions to those who deserve it.
But that’s not all. Let’s not forget about what was missed last season that will be returning in 2024 (barring any setbacks, of course). Take a look at what specifically there is to be excited about for the 2024 Mets season for all you loyal, diehard Mets fans.
What Mets Fans Should Look Forward to in 2024
The Return of Edwin Díaz and the Trumpets
As soon as the news broke out during spring training last season that Díaz tore his left patellar tendon while celebrating in the World Baseball Classic, there was a high level of disbelief and disappointment from so many Mets fans and the whole sports world. Coming off an electrifying 2022 season, Díaz became the highest-paid reliever in history when he signed a five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets. Following his injury last year, the Mets would get reimbursed for his $18.64 million salary if he missed the whole season, which is what happened. Mets fans were keeping track of the news on Díaz’s progress toward potentially returning in the late portion of the 2023 season, but it was ultimately too risky and the team wasn’t going anywhere anyway.
So, as we fast-forward to this year, Díaz is reported to be fully healthy and going through every routine during the offseason in preparation for pitching in 2024. There is likely going to be an enormous amount of cheers from the Citi Field crowd whenever he pitches, and fans are assured that they will be hearing trumpets again. It’s always important to remember, though, that setbacks do happen. You never know, any player coming off an injury of any kind could go through a re-injury. However, it’s always okay to have excitement for players set to return after missing all of the previous season, especially for a guy like Díaz.
Potential Upgrades to Certain Positions on The Field
We all know that the Mets missed out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and now Lucas Giolito, who signed with the Boston Red Sox last week. They still have time and the ability to sign players who could become upgrades to positions that need addressing. One of them is the starting pitching, and Shota Imanaga is a guy they’re currently looking at to help fill the void.
They also need to address the in-field and designated hitter roles. There are rumors that guys like J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner could be good candidates.
The bullpen is another area the Mets need to add depth to. Matt Moore is someone who could be a good fit. It’s also worth noting that David Robertson is still on the market, and bringing him back is not a bad idea.
Yes, the team has a lot of work on their hands, but there is talk that they’re likely going to make a big move or two at some point.
Kodai Senga‘s Sophomore Season
You couldn’t have asked for a better rookie season than what Senga did last season. He did so well to the point where he was in talks for Cy Young and Rookie of the Year consideration. Mets fans should be happy with the starting rotation’s new ace. You never know, a 2024 Cy Young award could be possible for Senga as long as he continues to shine while on the mound.
Additional Items for Excitement
The Mets have so many prospects in their farm system with the potential to play in the big leagues at some point in 2024. They have guys like Luisangel Acuña and Jett Williams on the top of that list, and fans would probably love to see one or maybe both of them called up to play in big-league games. There is also a new manager in charge of the team, so we’ll see how Carlos Mendoza does during his first season as skipper. All in all, let’s have a great 2024 season.
Main Image: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
