Mets have big expectations for 2024 despite underwhelming offseason

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, pitcher Edwin Diaz (39), pitcher Drew Smith (33) and pitcher Sean Reid-Foley (71) walk out to the practice fields during workouts at spring training.

First-year Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is among those associated with the organization who do not view 2024 as a transitional year for New York.

“Our expectation is to win,” Mendoza declared on Wednesday, per Laura Albanese of Newsday. “We’re here to win. That’s no secret. This is New York and I’ve been saying it all along — outside projections and things like that might say differently but we do believe that we have a really good team.”

Last year’s uniquely expensive Mets were arguably the biggest disappointment of the 2023 MLB season before team owner Steve Cohen traded co-aces Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer for prospects. New Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns then shifted to building upon the club’s depth this offseason after Cohen failed to convince two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto to relocate to Queens via free agency.

Shortstop Francisco Lindor, outfielder Brandon Nimmo, and All-Star closer Edwin Diaz previously said they believe the Mets can surprise doubters this year. However, even the signing of designated hitter J.D. Martinez hasn’t stopped many from predicting the Amazins will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive fall.

“I think we have a really good team,” Diaz said while discussing such forecasts, according to David Melendi of Metsmerized Online. “We improved our defense. I think the hitting department is really good. Our bullpen is really good. I think our starting pitching is really good, too. So I think we got a really good team and we will compete this year. I think we got the chance to make the playoffs.”

As of late Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Mets’ 2024 over/under wins total at 81.5. PECOTA projections shared by Baseball Prospectus had the Mets at 83.5 total victories.

Lindor nevertheless insisted he and others “expect to win” because of what he referred to as the “good pressure” that comes with playing for a New York club.

“If you compare it to years before, yeah, there’s not as many names, there’s not as many players making that much money,” Lindor added. “So, in a way, we’re not on the top of the list for everybody, but we are the New York Mets. Every time we step onto a new field or even Citi Field, they’re trying to beat us. They use their ‘A’ game. It’s something to look forward to because I know we’ve got to go out there and prove ourselves.”

Rain delayed the Mets’ first opportunity to “prove” themselves, as their Opening Day clash versus the Milwaukee Brewers was postponed to Friday afternoon.

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