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.