New York Mets DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Monday that third baseman/designated hitter Mark Vientos is currently in the competition for time at designated hitter this season. DJ Stewart was also listed as an in-house option for routine time at the position, although Stearns mentioned that it is not out of the question for the Mets to fill the position through an addition. The 24-year-old had a lackluster rookie season, slashing .211/.253/.367 with nine home runs and 22 RBI in 233 plate appearances while dealing with left wrist tendonitis. While Vientos can play third base, it sounds as though he will need to earn himself playing time with his bat. He did carry some prospect pedigree, so fantasy managers may want to keep an eye on his performance throughout spring.

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Monday that he was encouraged by outfielder Starling Marte's (groin) health heading into 2024. The 35-year-old, who played just 86 games in 2023 due to a groin injury, was able to participate in winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Stearns said, "It was clear watching him play that he was healthy." Marte has been a fantasy contributor in batting average and steals throughout his career, but he has not reached at least 600 plate appearances since 2018. While he still managed to steal 24 bases in just 341 plate appearances last season, Marte's fantasy value this season will ultimately be dictated by whether he can stay healthy.

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz (knee) threw a bullpen session Monday, saying he's "ready to go" for the 2024 season, per The Athletic's Tim Britton. The 29-year-old had season-ending knee surgery last March. Regarding his off-season before spring training, Diaz said, "It was my normal off-season, I did my normal routine." While he hasn't started fielding bunts or covering the bases from the mound, it is expected that that should happen soon. It is a welcome sight for both the Mets and fantasy managers to have one of baseball's best closers back, although fantasy managers should keep an eye on any updates on Diaz's progression through spring.

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said that the team will have "some level of competition" at third base during spring training, but also that they are confident in Brett Baty. Stearns also mentioned Mark Vientos, Joey Wendle and Zack Short. Baty, 24, won't have to contend with infield prospect Ronny Mauricio (knee), who tore the ACL in his right knee playing winter ball, but he still will have to earn his playing time at the hot corner in New York in his second full season in the big leagues. The left-handed slugger hit the ball hard at Triple-A last year but struggled to a .212/.275/.323 slash line with nine homers, 34 RBI and 109 strikeouts in 389 plate appearances with the Mets. Wendle probably poses the biggest threat to everyday playing time for Baty, who is going to need to improve against offspeed pitches to take the next step offensively in the majors.

New York Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season and there has been no sign that a contract extension will be agreed upon before then. The Mets say they are "invested" in keeping Alonso around, but it's looking unlikely that a deal will be reached before he tests the free-agent market. "The best thing for us is for Pete to have a great year and the best thing for Pete is to have a great year, and we'll go forward from there. We're certainly invested in keeping Pete a Met and I'm hopeful, over time, we'll be able to work that out," president of baseball operations David Stearns said. The 29-year-old Alonso hired agent Scott Boras this offseason, essentially assuring he'll play out the 2024 season and reach the open market next winter. Contract issues aside, Alonso is an elite power hitter for fantasy managers after slugging 46 homers and driving in 118 in 2023.