MLB Prime-Time Blog

When the pitchers are doing well, it takes pressure off the offense, and when the offense is clicking, it takes pressure off of us” – Chris Sale, 2024 season.

This is what it comes down to at the end of the day. The fundamentals of baseball do not matter when runs are not being produced and the workload of a pitcher does not equate to a better outing. Pitchers blow up their arms trying to provide length for their ball club and in doing so put themselves at risk of injury.

Take Spenser Strider for example, he was looked at as the ace of the staff because of his magnificent 2022-2023 seasons where he went 31-10 with 483 strikeouts in 318 innings and an era of 3.20, he seemed destined for longterm greatness. That was until Strider hit the injured list with an elbow blowout taking him of play for all of 2024. Strider down after a season where he went 20-4 and led the league in strikeouts now will be out of baseball for a year.

This is a common theme for many pitchers in 2024 who carried a higher workload in the previous year or two and are now facing the consequences of overworking. Luckily the Braves never really have a pitching issue and can pull amazing pitching performances out left and right throughout the season. Coming into the season the Braves were going to be led by Spencer Strider and Max Fried, neither of them have made significant contributions to being the leaders of the staff this year. However the once underrated pitching moves they made are now looking like such a steal. Their rotation is currently led by former relief pitcher turned starter Reynaldo Lopez, who boasts a 1.34 ERA over 40 innings pitched this year. Lopez has already accumulated a 1.7 WAR, holds the 3rd best ERA in the NL, and is performing 210% better than the league average, with an ERA+ of 310.

To pair well with the hard throwing righty is a revitalized Chris Sale who looks to provide a serious shakeup for the Braves as their left handed ace in the rotation. Chris Sale at a ripe age of 35 looks back on track on his hall of fame trajectory. Though he had some minor issues and frequent injuries occur during the span after the Red Sox won the World Series till last season (2019-2023) he now looks healthier than ever and looks to remain that way. I predicted Chris Sale to win the comeback player of the year award in my 2024 predictions blog and it looks to be more correct every day.

Chris Sale currently has a 6-1 record and a 2.54 era, Sale hasn’t had more than 6 wins since his dominant 2018 season where he went 12-4 with a 2.11 era in 27 games. That seemed like eons ago and with all the injuries and bad luck Sale has accumulated it felt like he would never return to form. Well leading the team in wins with only a loss to show for definitely gives us hope a change is forthcoming. Sale may not have as low of an ERA as Lopez but his FIP is lower (2.47 compared to 3.00) and his strikeout rate is right around career average (11.1%)

The only concern with Sale is staying healthy. He has the stuff to show for it it’s just been a problem with being on the field consistently. Sale last pitched a full 32 games in 2017, at this rate he would be the #3 best pitcher in the NL

An era of 2.56, 197 innings and 244 strikeouts from vintage Sale is only something the Sox have been dreaming of unlocking for years and it only took a torn ulnar collateral ligament in 2020 that kept him out a good chunk of 2021, a right rib stress fracture prior to the 2022 season that landed him on the 60-day injured list, to a fractured left pinkie finger in his second start back, to a broken right wrist following a bicycle accident in 2023 and finally being traded to the opposing league with one year of control left all before he found his footing again in the MLB and turned into prime vintage Sale!

To say the Braves have one of the best rotations with two guys in the top ten in pitching this season and none of them are Spenser Strider or Max Fried is nuts! I knew it was a steal getting Reynoldo Lopez at $30/3 at the start of the offseason. With the cost of pitchers going up immensely the Braves were incredibly wise to sign a low tier relief pitcher convert him to starting pitcher and trade for one of the leagues best pitchers with a huge injury risk and turn them into actual beasts.

I never really doubted the Chris Sale trade, I always believed Sale had it in him to comeback to his form, it was just pitching in a hitters friendly park and not having decent strength and conditioning coaches at Fenway. It made Sales success all the less prominent and much more difficult to retain. Trading away Vaughn Grissom was the smart move to make since the MLB roster was already pretty locked up, plus Grissom has not succeeded well enough in Boston and has since been demoted from his bad struggles. Lopez has been a starting pitcher before while he was mainly a relief pitcher. He may have not been the most attractive pitching name on the market but he got the job done. More and more relief pitchers are turning into full time starting pitchers and are succeeding.

Look at the Giants who signed Jordan Hicks to a similar deal as Lopez and he is doing better than ever in San Francisco. The hard throwing righty has the fifth best ERA in the NL (2.38) and looks like a steal every day.

People need to give more praise to relief pitchers turned starters because clearly the Braves found something incredibly special with Lopez. It’s truly incredible what making the right moves and using the market to your advantage can accomplish. As much as I hate the Braves they’re doing something right.

LSU standout Paul Skenes, the #1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, is poised for his major league debut at a young age. Remarkably, this comes after just a year in the minors. Skenes’ journey to the big leagues has been swift. Known for his dominant college career with a career ERA of 2.37, he especially shone in 2023. That season, he led LSU to an NCAA championship, boasting a 13-2 record, a stellar 1.69 ERA, and a whopping 209 strikeouts. However, his initial stint in the Pirates organization wasn’t smooth sailing. Skenes encountered some struggles in rookie ball, Single-A, and Double-A, with an ERA exceeding 5.63 across five games. Undeterred, he’s determined to showcase his talent and justify his top draft pick status in the majors. With the hype surrounding him and a new season underway, Skenes is ready to prove he has what it takes to thrive at the highest level.

Paul Skenes’ 2024 season at Triple-A was a masterclass in dominance. He began with 14 scoreless innings, then allowed just one earned run over the next six for a microscopic 0.36 ERA after 20 frames. Across seven starts, his ERA never climbed above 1.00, and he struck out nearly half of the 105 batters he faced (45 Ks). This stretch of nearly flawless pitching, culminating in a stellar 0.99 ERA, sent a clear message: Skenes was ready for the majors, and everyone awaited his inevitable call-up.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are keenly aware of the past decade’s scrutiny for prematurely trading away high-end talent for short-term gains. This time, with the #1 overall pick Paul Skenes, they’re determined to break the cycle. Gerrit Cole, their 2011 top pick, serves as a cautionary tale. The Pirates, hesitant to spend, limited Cole’s development by holding him back from throwing his best pitches. This arguably hampered his control and confidence, hindering his full potential. While Cole still excelled, the Pirates lacked faith in him as a long-term rotation anchor. Since leaving Pittsburgh, Cole has blossomed into a consistent starter, culminating in a Cy Young Award with the Yankees last season.

Paul Skenes draws comparisons to another highly touted pitching prospect – Stephen Strasburg. Drafted in 2009,Strasburg debuted a year later for the Nationals, boasting a larger sample size (7-2 record, 1.30 ERA in 55 innings). While Strasburg’s career had its peaks and valleys, his electric early years and his dominant 2019 postseason run (5-0, 1.37 ERA in 36 innings, World Series MVP) cemented his legacy.

Skenes, like Strasburg, represents a rare talent. The Pirates, scarred by past mistakes with Gerrit Cole, understand this.Unlike with Cole, they seem committed to unleashing Skenes’ full potential. The game’s trend towards younger players further emphasizes the urgency – capitalize on exceptional talent when it arrives, don’t hold them back for arbitrary experience benchmarks. By nurturing Skenes and giving him the opportunity to shine, the Pirates can not only benefit on the field but also contribute to the excitement surrounding the next generation of baseball stars.

Learning from their past mistakes, the Pirates are fully invested in Skenes’ development. They recognize the exceptional talent and hype surrounding him. His dominance in Triple-A, where he “blew the water” statistically, is a clear message:he’s ready for the major league challenge. Unlike with Cole, the Pirates won’t hold him back. This time, they’re committed to nurturing their young ace and letting him showcase his full potential on the biggest stage. Strasburg was exceptional now it is time for Skenes to mold himself as one of the greats.

Reed Garrett’s breakout success with the Mets has indeed been remarkable. Although he wasn’t originally acquired by David Stearns, his performance has undoubtedly made him a crucial asset in the pitching department. Garrett’s journey to prominence seems like a classic case of perseverance meeting opportunity. Despite not always performing at his current level, he’s demonstrated versatility by excelling in various pitching roles, from long innings to closing games. Stearns’ belief in him and decision to retain him have proven wise, as Garrett’s stats speak volumes about his impact. His breakout season, with a phenomenal 1.50 ERA, a perfect 5-0 record, and a leading FWAR of 0.8 on the Mets, showcases his newfound dominance. It’s a testament to his dedication and skill that he’s now performing at a level that is 693% better than the league average, making him a standout player on the team. Garrett’s success is not only unexpected but also awe-inspiring, and it underscores the unpredictability and excitement that can come with sports.
Reed Garrett’s journey to success certainly had its share of challenges and setbacks. Despite being drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2014, his minor league performances didn’t translate well into success at the major league level. His early years in the minors were difficult, and when he finally made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Tigers, his performance was far from stellar, with a high ERA of 8.20 in 13 games.

After struggling in the majors in 2019, Garrett found himself out of the MLB for a couple of seasons, returning in 2022 only to face more disappointment with a 6.75 ERA. The following year didn’t prove any easier, as he struggled with a 6.41 ERA split between the Orioles and the Mets. With just a 1-1 record and a combined 6.89 ERA across three seasons, his future in the majors seemed uncertain.

However, despite these challenges, Garrett’s perseverance paid off in a big way in 2024 with the Mets. Suddenly emerging as a dominant force, he achieved a remarkable 5-0 record with a stellar 1.50 ERA. His performance was nothing short of a masterpiece, especially considering his previous struggles. The fact that he went scoreless for 26 innings speaks volumes about his turnaround and newfound success. It’s a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome adversity and prove himself as a valuable asset to his team.
Reed Garrett’s remarkable success with the Mets in 2024 is undoubtedly a key highlight of their pitching staff. With a bullpen featuring strong performers like Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, Jorge Lopez, Jake Diekman, and Edwin Diaz, Garrett’s standout performance has elevated him to the top of the Mets’ pitching ranks for the season.

David Stearns’ role in crafting this impressive bullpen cannot be overstated. While he may not have brought in all the pieces himself, his leadership in establishing a strong core of pitchers and keeping the door open for minor league talent has been instrumental. Stearns’ willingness to pursue a diverse range of talents for the team has paid dividends, as seen in Garrett’s remarkable turnaround and success.

Garrett’s performance serves as a testament to the Mets’ perseverance and determination to overcome odds. His success embodies the team’s resilience and serves as a defining feature of their 2024 season. With such strong pitching performances, the Mets’ playoff hopes remain alive, showcasing the team’s potential for continued success.

The Miami Marlins have long been considered the “laughing stock” of Major League Baseball, a title that has been cemented by a series of missteps by past general managers and a consistent reluctance from the ownership to invest significantly in the team’s roster. This reputation is underscored by their dismal performance in the 2024 season, where they find themselves with a 9-26 record, positioning them as one of the worst teams in the league.

Under the new ownership of Bruce Sherman, the team has continued its frugal approach, highlighted by their tentative investment in shortstop Tim Anderson with a modest one-year, $5 million contract. This cautious spending has been mirrored in their offensive output, which ranks 15th across various categories. The only notable exception was Luis Arraez, whose exceptional performance won him a batting title before he was traded to the Padres. This move is perceived as the beginning of a strategy akin to that of the Tampa Bay Rays, where valuable assets are traded early to maximize returns.

Despite attempts to replicate the successful models of other franchises by hiring high-profile figures like former Yankees assistant GM Kim Ng and involving Derek Jeter as an executive, the Marlins have failed to turn their fortunes around. The critique suggests that the Marlins’ reliance on analytics and big names in the front office has not translated into success on the field. Instead, there is a call for a shift in strategy towards acquiring and developing talent that can lead to sustained competitive performance.

The Marlins do boast a strong pitching staff, which could be a cornerstone for rebuilding the team. However, for this rebuild to be the last one before the team becomes a contender, the ownership and management must commit to enhancing the team with skilled external additions to complement their internal talent. This approach could finally alter the trajectory of the franchise, moving away from perennial underperformance to becoming a formidable force in baseball.

The grace of hope descended upon the Mets, finally bestowing upon them a capable starting pitcher they had diligently nurtured. Christian Scott, adorned with the title of the #6 prospect in the organization, stepped into the limelight on this monumental day. With the weight of expectation bearing down, he emerged when the Mets needed him most.

Adrian Houser’s recent struggles had reached a tipping point, prompting David Stearns to make a decisive move. Without hesitation, Houser was relegated to the bullpen, clearing the path for Scott’s ascent from Triple-A. The debutant dazzled in his inaugural outing against the Rays, orchestrating a masterful 7.1 inning performance. Throughout the contest, he showcased his prowess by striking out six batters while yielding only a solitary walk.

Despite encountering early turbulence in the form of hits surrendered to Isaac Paredes and Randy Arozarena, Scott swiftly regained his composure. From that moment on, he orchestrated a symphony of dominance, retiring 17 consecutive batters until his departure from the mound, replaced by the capable Reed Garrett.

Scott’s debut served as a testament to his ability to thrive at the highest level of competition. Prior to his elevation, he had honed his craft with Triple-A Syracuse, boasting a commendable 3.20 ERA over 25 innings, accompanied by a flawless 3-0 record. In the new Stearns era, the mantra is clear: performance is paramount. No longer does tenure guarantee a roster spot, as evidenced by the swift action taken with Jose Butto, who has flaunted a stellar 2.57 ERA in six appearances this season.

The Mets’ minor league pitching arsenal is a wellspring of promise, embodied by the likes of Blade Tidwell and Joander Suarez, both on the cusp of major league stardom. Tidwell boasts a remarkable 1.69 ERA over 25 innings, while Suarez follows closely behind with a stellar 2.60 ERA in the same span. Furthermore, the emergence of Jonah Tong, a mere 21-year-old phenom yet to concede a single run in five starts spanning 23.2 innings, adds another layer of excitement to the organization’s pitching depth.

This abundance of talent evokes memories of the glory days when the Mets’ rotation was the envy of the league, anchored by the likes of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and the formidable Steven Matz of 2015 vintage. The prospect of Scott solidifying his status as a star-level pitcher only fuels anticipation for the bright future awaiting the Mets’ pitching staff. As Scott paves the way, the potential of the Mets’ pitching farm becomes increasingly tantalizing.

David Stearns’ appointment within the Mets organization marked a turning point, with a singular focus on establishing a robust core, fortifying defensive prowess, and amassing pitching talent. Under his stewardship, the Mets have undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a formidable force in the National League’s pitching landscape.

Central to this metamorphosis is Luis Severino, a pitcher whose journey embodies the highs and lows of professional baseball. Once hailed as an ace within the Yankees’ rotation, Severino’s trajectory took an unexpected downturn after a challenging 2023 season, marked by a lackluster 4-8 record and an inflated ERA exceeding 6.00. Despite his previous All-Star accolades and Cy Young contention, Severino found himself on uncertain ground as the Yankees opted not to renew his contract.

For the Mets, however, Severino represented an opportunity for redemption and resurgence. In a calculated move, they secured his services with a one-year, $11 million deal, banking on his potential to reclaim his former glory. This decision proved prescient, as Severino embarked on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention, guided by the supportive infrastructure of the Mets organization.

Addressing both physical and strategic aspects of his game, Severino committed himself to a rigorous regimen aimed at revitalizing his performance on the mound. A newfound emphasis on sleep hygiene and pitch selection, coupled with efforts to rectify previous issues such as pitch tipping, formed the cornerstone of his transformation.

The results have been nothing short of extraordinary. In the 2024 season, Severino has emerged as a beacon of consistency and dominance for the Mets. Through six starts, his statistics speak volumes: a stellar 2.31 ERA, a WHIP of 1.06, and a batting average against (BAA) of .202. These numbers not only position him among the National League’s elite but also represent a marked improvement over his previous struggles.

Indeed, Severino’s resurgence has been punctuated by standout performances, none more notable than his recent outing against the Cubs. In a display of sheer mastery, Severino carried a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, stifling one of the league’s most potent lineups until Dansby Swanson’s line drive dashed his hopes of history. Nevertheless, his performance served as a resounding testament to his renewed confidence and command on the mound.

Beyond his individual success, Severino’s journey symbolizes the Mets’ commitment to excellence and their ability to unlock the untapped potential within their roster. With David Stearns at the helm and Severino leading the charge, the Mets stand poised to challenge the status quo, armed with a pitching staff capable of dominating the competition and ushering in a new era of success for the franchise. As the season progresses, the Mets faithful can only anticipate further greatness from their revitalized ace and the team as a whole.

The Houston Astros, once hailed as MLB juggernauts, have stumbled into a dire start to their season with a disastrous 7-19 record, placing them at the bottom of the AL West division. This unexpected downturn contrasts sharply with their historic success, including four World Series appearances and two championship victories in recent years. However, their current struggles on the field paint a starkly different picture, leading some to dub them the Ass-tros for their recent lackluster performance. They are in the middle of their worst start of a season since 2016 when the club went 84-78. A year before the Astros would go on to “win” the World Series in 2017 they’ve since become the juggernaut of baseball.

The Astros’ woes extend beyond mere win-loss statistics, as their bullpen, once a formidable asset, now ranks as the second-worst in the AL. Despite high hopes pinned on closer Josh Hader, his abysmal performance has contributed to the bullpen’s woes, with an average ERA of 5.13 casting a shadow over the team’s prospects. The decline of their once-reliable pitching staff has left many questioning the team’s ability to remain competitive in the long term.

Compounding their on-field struggles is the looming issue of their depleted farm system, currently ranked dead last in baseball. The Astros’ reluctance to retain key players like George Springer, Carlos Correa, and Justin Verlander has raised concerns about their long-term viability. With major talent departures looming on the horizon, including the potential loss of Alex Bregman, the Astros face a pivotal moment in their franchise’s trajectory.

While veteran pitcher Justin Verlander continues to defy age with his performance, the Astros’ pitching rotation as a whole has faltered, ranking near the bottom in every pitching category. However, glimmers of hope emerge with emerging talents like Ronel Blanco, who recently threw a no-hitter, providing a beacon of optimism amidst the team’s struggles.

As the Astros grapple with their worst start to a season since 2016, questions abound about their future direction. The once-dominant force in baseball must now confront the harsh reality of their decline and contemplate the necessary steps to rebuild and replenish their ranks. With their established offensive core largely intact, the Astros have the foundation for a resurgence, but it will require strategic planning and a commitment to investing in their future to reclaim their former glory. 4 World Series appearances, 2 World Series wins( 2022, *2017*) and 2 ALCS defeats, if this is the end of the Astros run of greatness it marks 7 years of the Astros being the most dominant and Yankee killing team there is.

The Astros’ current predicament serves as a cautionary tale for teams that rely heavily on short-term success without adequately investing in long-term sustainability. Their reluctance to retain key players and their farm system’s deterioration highlight the perils of prioritizing immediate gains over future stability. The departure of star players like George Springer and Carlos Correa, once integral to their championship runs, underscores the importance of maintaining a strong pipeline of talent to sustain success over the long haul.

Moving forward, the Astros must navigate a delicate balancing act between rebuilding their roster and remaining competitive in the present. While their offensive firepower remains formidable with talents like Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, and Jose Altuve, addressing their pitching woes and bolstering their farm system will be imperative for sustained success. With strategic planning and a commitment to cultivating talent from within, the Astros have the potential to rise from their current slump and reclaim their status as perennial contenders in Major League Baseball.

As the Astros grapple with the possibility of a rebuild, it’s evident that regaining competitiveness will be a gradual process. Ranked dead last in minor league talent, the Astros face the daunting task of replenishing their roster with promising prospects if they opt to trade away key players. Smart decision-making will be paramount in charting their course forward. Joe Espada, in his inaugural stint as the team’s manager, carries the weight of expectations as he steps into the role previously held by Dusty Baker. Having served under Baker’s tutelage during the era marred by the cheating scandal, Espada inherits a team grappling with a shift in leadership and culture.

While it’s unfair to solely attribute the Astros’ struggles to managerial changes, there’s a palpable sense that the team has lost some of its competitive edge since Baker’s retirement. Despite achieving the improbable feat of winning the World Series within a five-year span without resorting to cheating, the Astros now find themselves at a crossroads. The departure of a manager who instilled a relentless drive for success has left a void that needs to be filled.

Yet, amidst the challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope for the Astros’ resurgence. With a storied history of overcoming adversity, there’s a belief that they will emerge stronger as the season progresses. Anticipation mounts for a potential turnaround, with the possibility of a dramatic winning streak looming on the horizon. However, if the Astros fail to clinch a playoff spot, the balance of power in the postseason could tilt in favor of perennial contenders like the Yankees. Despite the uncertainties, the Astros’ journey toward redemption is underway, fueled by a determination to reclaim their status as elite contenders in Major League Baseball.

As much as Stearns is brilliant its a moronic move to keep the good minor league starting pitchers up to rot in the minors. I understand the idea of getting these pitchers worked up to a certain innings count so they can be warmed up to professional baseball innings but what is the logic in that. Players pitchers especially only have so many bullets in their body why waste it for meaningless minor league wins. Lets say they want their top pitching prospects to reach 100-110 innings pitched then what when they call them up these guys Will been even more overloaded with pitch count by probably pitching another 50 innings in the majors. Jose Butto is good but only reason he was up before was because he was bad and the mets didnt give a shit to bring him up to start him service tine because he was bad and instead of prioritizing guys that have showed their greatness in the minors they call up the struggling guys while keeping their star pitchers up to rot in the minors who will excel but wont get called up due to service time manipulation service time manipulation is a big thing in baseball and its sad to see that players that are more deserving of being in the majors dont always get their opportunities to play as teams hold them in a glass compartment watching from afar their talents instead of bringing them up to the big leagues which in the end can hurt their development of the amount of pitches they throw and innings in the minors just to not even be called up.

Pitchers are going down left and right in baseball and its disappointing to see, the rate of pitchers dropping is at an astronomical rate compared to what it was 20-40 years ago and the installment of the pitch clock is not making anything better. pitchers are working faster and straining themselves quicker because they dont have the time to recoup in between pitches and are pressured to throw the ball every 8 seconds, which could lead to error but also gives more support to those who throw fast and stay in the constant groove of the speedy game. mention in the service time paragraph that sometimes teams will hold off on bringing up their star talent and will call up guys that the teams knows full heartedly wont really benefit their team yet still call them up. for the most part teams are vying to be compeitive but brining up a level of talent that you know wont contribute while someone else is making significant noise in the minors waiting to be called up is a weird concept in baseball.The logic behind keeping these promising pitchers in the minors often revolves around workload management and innings limits. Teams aim to gradually build up their young pitchers’ innings count to prepare them for the rigors of major league baseball.

However, this approach can backfire when these pitchers are finally called up to the majors. Not only have they potentially already exceeded their workload targets in the minors, but they’re then expected to handle even more innings at the highest level. This can lead to overuse and increase the risk of injury, ultimately hindering their long-term development and performance.

Additionally, the issue of service time manipulation further complicates matters. Teams sometimes prioritize financial considerations over player development, choosing to delay a player’s eligibility for free agency or arbitration by keeping them in the minors longer than necessary. This results in deserving players being overlooked in favor of those who may not necessarily contribute as much to the team’s success.

Furthermore, the current trend of pitchers experiencing higher rates of injury is alarming. The introduction of the pitch clock, while intended to speed up the game, may be exacerbating this problem. Pitchers are forced to work faster and throw more frequently, leaving them with less time to recover between pitches. This heightened pace of play can lead to increased strain on pitchers’ arms and bodies, potentially contributing to the alarming rate of injuries seen in recent years.

In conclusion, it’s disheartening to witness talented pitchers languishing in the minors while less deserving players get the call-up. The emphasis on workload management, coupled with concerns over service time manipulation and the increasing rate of pitcher injuries, highlights the need for a more balanced approach to player development in baseball. Teams must prioritize the long-term health and success of their prospects over short-term gains, ensuring that deserving players are given the opportunities they deserve to showcase their talents at the highest level.

The season is just a week through, players are getting back into things and baseball has been the best it has in months. The first few weeks of the game is a time to look back and evaluate the talent the front office has brought in and determine if it will make a serious impact on the ball club and if the respective team will benefit from the offseason moves. In particular, the New York Mets which were mainly focused on pitching this offseason and less on their offense has bewildered the rest of the league with a league leading 2.18 MLB ERA and somehow someway the Mets are 2-5 (0-5 for the start of the season)

The New York Mets, historically dominant on opening day with a record of 41-13 since 1970, suffered an unexpected setback this season, starting 0-1 despite their past success. The team’s top hitters, including Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Starling Marte, have struggled at the plate, with batting averages and OPS’s well below expectations. The Mets’ success often hinges on the performance of these key players, and their slow start has raised concerns among fans.

The recent five-game losing streak has fueled speculation about the team’s managerial direction, with some fans questioning whether the Mets have regressed to their former state of underperformance. Comparisons to previous ownership eras, such as the Wilpons, have only added to the frustration among the fanbase. However, under the leadership of Steve Cohen, the Mets have made significant strides, both on the field and in stadium improvements.

Yet, the inherent challenges of being a Mets fan, including bouts of bad luck and perennial disappointment, persist. The team’s unbalanced roster, particularly in terms of hitting and pitching, continues to pose challenges to their competitiveness. Despite aspirations for success, inconsistent talent on the field has hindered the Mets’ ability to achieve sustained victories. The signing of Luis Severino, with hopes of recapturing his former Cy Young form, underscores the team’s commitment to improving their roster. However, it remains to be seen if the Mets can overcome their early-season struggles and meet the lofty expectations set by fans and management alike.

Starting the season 0-5 hasn’t been this disappointing since 2005. Despite the winless start, the Mets’ pitching remains a shining beacon of hope. David Stearns’ expertise in pitching has been evident, reminiscent of his past successes, such as transforming Josh Hader into the league’s premier closer and molding Devin Williams into a dominant force with an impressive ERA. The Mets currently boast the top ERA in baseball at 2.18, significantly outperforming the second-ranked team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a 3.16 ERA. However, maintaining such stellar pitching performances throughout the season may prove challenging.

With Kodai Senga sidelined due to injury, it’s logical for Jose Quintana to step up as the Mets’ new #1 starter. Despite Luis Severino’s rocky start, there’s hope for improvement as he works through his early struggles. In light of Tylor Megil’s injury, instead of turning to their top pitching prospects, the Mets have enlisted the services of Julio Teheran to fill the void in their rotation. Teheran’s past success with the Atlanta Braves offers optimism for his role with the Mets.

Rounding out the rotation are Sean Manaea and Adrian Houser, both of whom have displayed stellar performances in their initial outings. Their ability to consistently pitch six innings with one run or less and tallying five or more strikeouts bodes well for the Mets’ rotation. Personally, I believe Manaea and Houser will continue to excel and surpass the expectations typically associated with their #4 and #5 positions in the rotation.

Despite the rocky start, the Mets have managed to string together two consecutive wins and are poised to win their series against the Reds after being swept by the Tigers. While the team may not have anticipated a fiercely competitive season, they remain optimistic about the progression of their top minor league talent. Pitchers like Dominic Hamel, Mike Vasil, Joander Suarez, and Christian Scott are waiting in the wings for their chance to shine in the big leagues. With such promising young talent on the horizon, it’s only a matter of time before the Mets begin to see significant improvements in their quest for victory.