The 2024 Major League Baseball season is almost two weeks old, and while the New York Mets didn’t quite get off to the start they hoped for, there are a few players on the team who are shining so far. Whether it’s on offense or defense, the statistics say it all. So, let’s take a look at who specifically has gotten off to a fabulous start to this season for the Mets.
Mets Players Performing Well to Start 2024
Brett Baty
Yes, that’s not a misprint. Baty is one of those players who’s playing well both offensively and defensively. Believe it or not, a lot of Mets fans weren’t optimistic about this guy, especially after his performances in 2023. Now, with Ronny Mauricio out for the year with an ACL injury, Baty has gotten a golden opportunity to improve himself, and so far so good.
You probably might remember during spring training when Baty spoke to SNY’s Todd Zeile about what adjustments he is making with his bat. He said that the big thing was working on his top hand and getting it stronger, and that was so that he could “get the barrel more out front.” Well, as of now that new strategy has proved its point. He has 12 hits in 37 at-bats, including a home run that got the Mets right back in that second game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Because of that, he is maintaining a .325 average and his OPS is at .772. Let’s not forget that he has gotten better defensively, including three double plays started by him.
For a guy like Baty who’s coming off a disappointing season and getting another opportunity, you should be impressed with what he’s done so far. The Mets will enormously benefit from his improvements as long as he continues to get better.
Francisco Alvarez
Now, here’s someone that many fans had their eyes on for good expectations.
It’s been a great first couple of weeks for the young Venezuelan catcher. So far he has nine hits in 32 at-bats, helping his batting average stand at .281. His defense has been solid as expected, which showed itself when he threw out a runner trying to advance to second base on a wild pitch in Monday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. It almost feels as if when he plays, good results will happen.
Also, he has done a good job running the bases. We know he is not the fastest catcher in the world, but when he hustled from first to second base after hitting a line drive in the series against the Detroit Tigers, it signified that he could be getting his speed picked up, which of course is a good thing.
Sean Manaea
Now, here is a starting pitcher who’s been looking promising in his last couple of appearances.
This is Manaea’s first season with the Mets, and so far each of the first two starts has been great. His first start of the year came against the Tigers and was pitching a perfect game until the sixth inning. He then delivered another quality start against the Cincinnati Reds as he went innings allowing three hits and struck-out six batters.
If there was one bright spot for the beginning of this season for the Mets, it should be Manaea. He is showing that he can give you length and reliability when he pitches. Yes, Jose Quintana is the man in front of the rotation until Kodai Senga returns from injury, but right now Manaea is looking like an ace.
Anyone Else?
You could argue that there are other players on the Mets who are doing well so far, but as of now the above-mentioned players are certainly looking promising and will hopefully continue their hot starts. We’ll see if the heart of the lineup order will start heating up soon. That includes Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. If those two can get it going, this team can win more games and hopefully make a postseason run as the year progresses.
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