5 Big Questions for the NY Mets, Including Alonso: What's Next for the Amazin's?
The New York Mets are buzzing with excitement after a playoff appearance, and the off-season is shaping up to be interesting. With the departure of Jacob deGrom and the signing of Justin Verlander, the roster is still in flux, but the Mets are eyeing another big season. However, there are a few key questions swirling around Queens, and the fate of Pete Alonso is one of the biggest.
1. Will Pete Alonso Be Traded?
The Polar Bear's contract is up in 2024, and the Mets need to decide if they can afford to keep their slugging first baseman. Rumors about a possible trade are swirling, and it’s a tough call. Alonso is a fan favorite, but his salary could be a big chunk of the budget. Could the Mets move him for younger players or prospects, or will they try to lock him down with a long-term deal?
2. Who Will Be the Mets' Closer?
Edwin Diaz's knee injury is a huge blow to the team. He was a dominant closer, and his absence leaves a big hole in the bullpen. The Mets have some internal options, like Adam Ottavino or Brooks Raley, but they might look to the free agent market or a trade for a proven closer. This will be a crucial decision for the team, and it could make or break their season.
3. How Will the Pitching Staff Adjust?
Jacob deGrom's departure means they’ll need to replace his dominance. Verlander is a big name, but he’s also getting up there in age. The Mets will be relying on their young arms like Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill to step up and contribute. Will they be able to fill the void left by deGrom, or will the pitching staff suffer?
4. Can They Keep Up With the Braves?
The Atlanta Braves are the reigning champions and remain a tough competitor. They’re not going anywhere, and the Mets need to be at their best to keep pace. The Mets have the talent and the budget, but they need to make the right moves to stay competitive. Can they catch the Braves and win the NL East?
5. What Will the Mets’ Offense Look Like?
The Mets have a powerful lineup, but they need to maintain their consistency. They need more consistency from their veterans, like Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo, and they need their young players to step up and contribute. How will the offense perform under the new manager? Will they hit enough home runs and score enough runs to make a deep playoff run?
The Mets have a lot to figure out as they prepare for the new season. These five questions are just the tip of the iceberg. The Mets are a team with high expectations, and they'll need to make some tough decisions to live up to them. It’s gonna be a wild ride, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it unfolds.