As the New York Mets try to get back on track for the 2024 season, several players on the IL are soon set to return. Their impact on the rest of the season can be huge.
Mets Players Returning From IL And Their Potential Impact
Francisco Alvarez
In 2023, Francisco Alvarez, as a catcher, led the NL in home runs. To begin the 2024 season, Alvarez had only hit 1 home run with an average of.236, yet he was injured in just his 16th game. In other words, Alvarez had no time to heat up offensively or defensively, as he also struggled to stop stolen bases. Yet, Alvarez’s leadership and happy mood seemed to affect the Mets. A lot of times, Alvarez settled down pitchers and allowed them to be more comfortable; over time, it appeared that although Alvarez was young, he was a definite leader on the team. Along with Francisco Lindor, Alvarez could frequently be seen cheering on the team and engaged with what was happening. Since Tomas Nido consistently started over Omar Narvaez, the Mets will likely consistently start Alvarez over Tomas Nido or, potentially, Luis Torrens.
Edwin Diaz
The Mets would love to have Edwin Diaz back to where he was in 2022. In less than one month, the Mets dropped 6 out of 13 games after leading in the 8th inning, which means that in the ninth inning, the Mets continued to drop save after save without a consistent closer. Edwin Diaz was a large part of the Met’s struggle as he dropped several saves and leads. The Mets showed during the whole month of May that they needed a consistent closer. If Edwin Diaz can get back on track, the Mets would win many more games.
Kodai Senga
Kodai Senga’s return to the Mets has been perhaps the most anticipated return for New York this season. Senga’s ERA of 2.98 in 2023 ranked 5th best in the MLB. It perhaps would have been lower had the Mets been a better team. He also struck out 202 batters, which ranked the 14th best. The stability of the starting rotation has gone up and down. Jose Quintana and Adrian Houser have both been unstable in their starts. Houser has been removed from the rotation. Quintana has the worst ERA in the rotation.
Only Louis Severino and Sean Manea have been stable. The Mets have also tried to add Christian Scott, Tylor Megill, and maybe even David Peterson. When Senga returns, the Mets can ultimately have more power and stability. They may even consider DFA Quintana and Houser if they do not use them to help the struggling relievers.
Overall, the Mets need these players to continue their recent success. Once the players return from the IL, stability and leadership will improve. If all of these players can play well, they may win more games.
Main Photo Credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
