After a very slow six weeks in which the Mets started 15-25, the team has shown encouraging signs of breaking out of its early-season slump.
There are many pieces of the puzzle to blame for the slow start, such as the massive number of injuries, ineffectiveness, manager Carlos Mendoza, and, of course, president David Stearns.
Don’t get me wrong: Stearns has deserved the brunt of the criticism he has received over the team’s first 46 games.
The contract for Sean Manaea looks worse by the day, while a majority of his offseason acquisitions have gotten off to slow starts or are currently on the injured list.
However, over the last week, the team has noticeably taken a more aggressive approach with its prospects, calling up 2B/OF A.J. Ewing, LHP Zach Thornton, and OF Nick Morabito.
Earlier in the offseason, David Stearns noted that he wanted to take a more proactive approach with their rookies, citing how last year’s second-half collapse might have been attributed to being too hesitant to promote them when necessary.
These rookies have all provided a massive spark. Carson Benge’s overall numbers might not look eye-popping (.253 BA, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 8 SB), but he has looked much more comfortable as the team’s leadoff hitter.
In his last 15 games, he’s been an on-base machine, hitting .375/.435/.518 with 14 runs scored, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 5 BB, and 2 SB.
The only negative with Benge is that, even though his arm is elite in right field, he’s made his share of errors and mistakes.
With more experience and time, that issue should resolve itself, but Benge’s range and arm make him too valuable to replace in the outfield.
Ewing has been nothing short of phenomenal in his first set of games, recording a .304 BA, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 SB, and 7 BB, showcasing strong discipline and speed.
Even though Thornton (the Mets’ No. 11 prospect) and Morabito (No. 13) are less heralded, they still bring valuable qualities to this team.
Thornton currently holds a 3.16 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 40:12 K:BB in his first seven starts across Double-A and Triple-A.
According to Joe DeMayo of SNY, he is regarded as having some of the best command and control in the minors, exactly what a Mets rotation hampered by injuries and ineffectiveness needs.
If Thornton can preserve the bullpen and provide length, he could earn a longer stay instead of a few spot starts.
On the other hand, Morabito provides athleticism, solid contact (.287 career BA), a mature eye (.379 OBP), and a ton of speed (122 SB over the last three seasons).
This gives Carlos Mendoza more versatility in the lineup, as he can rotate Soto, Benge, Ewing, and Morabito around the outfield, giving each player a potential day off or DH day.
In addition, it opens the door for Juan Soto to mostly DH and continue getting back to 100%, as he has been playing through lingering wrist, calf, and elbow issues.
Calling up these prospects has already produced positive results, as the team has gone 6-1 since A.J. Ewing’s promotion, improving its record to 21-26 amid a softer part of the schedule over the next two weeks.
Furthermore, it reduces the dead weight and fringe hitters who aren’t MLB-caliber, such as Austin Slater and Andy Ibáñez.
With Francisco Lindor attempting a return in June, this could be a strong opportunity for the team to continue its hot streak.
When it’s all said and done, there is a very strong chance the Mets are back over .500 by the time they get their superstar shortstop back.
And as much criticism as David Stearns has received over this slow start, he deserves some credit for being proactive with the young players, a move that could help turn this season around.
My name is John Pagnotta and I live in Queens, NY. I am a freshman at St. John’s University and I am majoring in journalism. I am a huge fan of the Jets, Mets, Islanders, and Knicks. I started following sports when I was around 7 years old and I have not lost love for it ever since!
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