New York Mets manager, Carlos Mendoza, has voiced his approach to game planning, stating adjustments are continuously made throughout every game. Despite a lack of high expectations, the Mets entered 2024 with a plan to secure their position as contenders for the postseason, and they have maintained this consistency throughout the season. Now close to the trade deadline as legitimate contenders, there are calls for David Stearns and the New York front office to be ambitious regarding their seasonal plans, particularly in becoming more aggressive buyers ahead of the imminent trade deadline.
In assessing performance, the Mets bear comparison with blind resumes from over the years, teams that have gone on to win the pennant, and very similar teams that took aggressive positions at the trade deadline. For example, the 2018 Dodgers and 2022 Phillies, both of which proved successful in delivering their plans by spending on considerable prospects. Looking into past performances and records, the Mets’ prospect for this season holds promising opportunities for advancement, specifically considering the offensive capabilities they possess, backed by phenomenal home run records.
The National League is currently seen as being wide open, and the Mets are seen to have a solid case. While teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Hawks that have proven to be the best in senior league are facing increased uncertainties this season, the Mets’ record against the Phillies points to favourable matchup possibilities. Where taking the cautionary route in gaming years is common among teams, the Mets can view the current season as a golden opportunity to be more aggressive in their strides towards advancing.
The concept of manipulating the team’s window of contention by maintaining caution could cause the Mets to overlook the ideal year for a major win. Comparing this season with the Mets’ 2015 season shows a striking similarity with their approach. For the current Met team, filled with talented young players, the window of contention is already open, as evidenced by their performance so far this season.
While proposing the plan to go for it is easy, putting it into action is where the difficulty lies. The current state of the deadline market points to a challenging path towards achieving these goals. The demand and supply ratio of teams for sale is skewed, and the price uncertainties made it hard for the Mets to determine the best course of action. However, recommendations to take an all-in approach might fit into the situation.
Proposals include considering a long-term deal for starting pitcher Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, a move that would significantly bolster the team’s bullpen for 2024. Exploring options for a versatile bench contributor could be another strategic move, providing the team with an extra layer of protection against potential downturns. Stars like Detroit’s Andy Ibañez and Toronto’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa could prove valuable assets in this regard.
