It is hard to believe that the 2024 regular season is only two weeks away.  While the expectations are a bit different heading into this year compared to last year (Jose Quintana on the mound opening day instead of Max Scherzer in 2023 will do that), it’s still an exciting time.  Optimism abounds, and everyone is tied for first place on Opening Day.  On the surface, this 2024 version of the Mets can still be a good team, and challenge for a Wild Card spot.  The stacked NL East is no help, but again there is talent on this team.

On the trek toward Opening Day, let’s take a look at positional profiles.  Today is the first installment, as we take a look at the infield spots.

First Base: He plays just about every day, he hits home runs (a lot of them), and brings personality to the clubhouse.  He also loves the Mets and the fanbase.  Pete Alonso will be a constant storyline during the season, and we can only hope it’s because he’s continuing his consistently great stats.  Excluding 2020’s COVID year, he has played in over 150 games and hit over 35 home runs in each season.  His contract situation will not be resolved by Opening Day.  Here’s hoping that dynamic produces an Aaron Judge-type contract season and not a constant distraction for Alonso, for Carlos Mendoza, and for Alonso’s teammates all having to talk about it all year. In those rare instances where Pete is not playing, Ji-Man Choi may see some time (though most of his season should be spent in the minor leagues) and Mark Vientos can also probably play there in a pinch.

Second Base: All positions are important across the diamond, but this will be a critical one for the Mets in 2024.  The ability of Jeff McNeil to recover from his left elbow/arm injury will have repercussions throughout the entire lineup.  While he has not played in Spring Training, he is expected to be ready for Opening Day.  In 2021, Jeff’s average was .251, which was followed by a bounce-back 2022 campaign where he batted .326 and won the NL batting title.  Let’s hope for a similar rebound in 2024 after last year’s .270.  While McNeil has spent some time in the outfield as well, and can do so again if needed. But his greatest value to the 2024 Mets will be at second base.  If he can’t go, Joey Wendle, in his first season with the team, should be next up.  The future beyond 2024 could be brighter for this position, with Ronny Mauricio (recovering from knee surgery) and Luisangel Acuna waiting in the wings.

Shortstop: The Mets’ highest rated player on ESPN’s Top 100 MLB Players list for 2024, at #27, was switch-hitting Francisco Lindor.  To me, #27 is too low for the Silver Slugger.  Replicating last year’s 30/30 season (the fourth in Mets history) would obviously be a help in this year’s lineup.  Lindor has been steady for the Mets, and always plays, with 161 games played in 2022 and 160 games in 2023.  He brings Gold Glove-caliber defense as well.  Similar to the situation at 1B, the backup SS of the Mets should not expect much playing time, but as needed Joey Wendle can play here too.

Third Base: I miss the days of no worries at 3B with Captain America, David Wright.  One of the bigger question marks on the team heading into the 2024 campaign, the Mets have given Brett Baty every opportunity to win the job at 3B.  He has hit .241 so far this spring with 1 home run.  While you can’t read too much into Spring Training stats, it would’ve been great to see the 21 year old make a statement and unquestionably claim the job this spring.  Hopefully the learnings from his up and down 2023 season will feed through to this year.  If he struggles, Joey Wendle can man the spot.  Mark Vientos is a consideration here too, but he will hopefully establish himself as the DH.  If necessary, there are also remaining free agents (JD Davis anyone?).

Catcher: This is going to be a very interesting test case for David Stearns and Steve Cohen.  By all indications, Francisco Alvarez is a future star in MLB.  Following his 25 HR rookie season, Alvarez is the unquestioned starter at catcher, hopefully for many years to come.  Will the front office look to lock him up for the long term, a la the Braves model?  In addition to his bat, Alvarez has shown signs of growth in other areas.  To improve defensively, he is changing his stance a bit to help throw out potential base stealers.  I was also very impressed with his ability to do an interview with the SNY crew in English earlier this Spring, instead of through an interpreter.  He’s got the drive to improve, will to win as well as lead, and is showing it in many ways.  When he needs a breather, Omar Narvaez is a veteran backup that will be fine.

The next installment of the 2024 Mets positional profiles will focus on the Outfield and DH.  What did you think of my observations above? You can let me know in the comments below. Until then, Let’s Go Mets!

Stats by baseball-reference.com

By : Jason Krom

Photo Credits; Rising Apple, USA Today, BNN Breaking, and Northjersey.com