As March comes to a close, MLB teams are preparing for the beginning of the 2024 regular season. The New York Yankees and New York Mets are the local favorites, and they show a lot of promise coming into the regular season. Let’s take a look at both organizations and how they project to perform in the tasking 162-game season.
New York Yankees
After a disappointing 82-80 record last season, the Yankees wasted little time to revamp their roster. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and the front office sent a trade package featuring quality players, including Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez and Kyle Higashioka, for San Diego Padres superstar Juan Soto and Trent Grisham.
The Yankees even crossed uncharted territory by acquiring Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox. After falling last in production from left fielders amongst all teams, the addition of these three outfielders is destined to fill their biggest hole from last season.
In addition to these transactions, the Yankees signed starter Marcus Stroman. Last year, Stroman had one of the best first halves of the season, posting a 2.96 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 112.2 innings pitched. His second half was less stellar, but the Yankees are hopeful that the star pitcher can rebound and post similar numbers prior to last year’s all-star break.
Carlos Rodón, the big signing from two offseasons ago, is also seeking to rebound from his abysmal 2023 season. Rodón battled several injuries and setbacks and failed to put together quality performances when he took the mound. With an offseason to reset and a seemingly healthier body frame, the former star looks ready to embrace his No. 2 option in the rotation.
The Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole avoided serious injury after feeling soreness in his throwing arm. Team doctors relieved fans a few weeks ago when they announced he would not require surgery. Cole should be activated in a few months after his rehab program. Players such as Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo are also happy to reset after their injuries totaled their 2023 campaign.
If the Yankees can manage to stay healthy, they have more than enough talent to take the division. If their roster happens to succumb to last year’s health problems, another disappointing season would not be a surprise.
New York Mets
The outcome from last season was even worse in Queens. After expecting to compete for the NL East division title, owner Steve Cohen and the front office accepted defeat and decided to rebuild.
Veteran ace Max Scherzer was moved to the World Series champions Texas Rangers for Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr. Scherzer’s longtime partner in crime and ace Justin Verlander was sent back to the Astros for top prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford. Additionally, the Mets moved other veteran pieces that did not fit their timeline.
The offseason was rather minor for the Mets, as they failed to acquire any significant talent. Additionally, they failed to come to an extension agreement with their star player Pete Alonso.
On the brighter side, the league’s best closing pitcher Edwin Diaz has fully recovered from his season ending injury in last year’s World Baseball Classic. Unfortunately, his role may not be as prominent this season with the unlikely occurrence of a competitive season.
Depending on how the season goes, there could be a continuation of the fire sale from last season’s trade deadline. The Mets have the best reliever and a star first baseman and could receive a massive return if they fully embrace their rebuild.
lrapp@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @mets, X
