2024 New York Mets Q&A: What are their World Series odds, top storylines to monitor?

The New York Mets entered the 2023 season with World Series aspirations, only to tear down the team with the highest payroll ever at the trade deadline en route to a 75-87 finish.

Despite lowering their expectations for this season, the Mets still aim to field a winning team, though they already face some obstacles. In preparation for the MLB season, here are the answers to some of the biggest questions about the 2024 Mets. 

How many games are the Mets projected to win and what is their season outlook? 

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, New York's over/under win total for 2024 is 81.5 games and the club is -250 to miss the playoffs. Additionally, the Mets have the third-best odds to win the National League East (+1200) and are +5000 to capture their first World Series title since 1986. 

When is the first spring training game and when is Opening Day?

The Mets will play their first of 31 Grapefruit League games starting on Saturday at 1:10 EST when they host the St. Louis Cardinals at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. 

On March 28, the 2024 MLB season will officially begin and all 30 teams will be in action. The Mets will open up the season at Citi Field against the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a three-game set. 

Who is the team's most significant offseason addition?

After spending heavily in recent offseasons, the Mets took a more conservative approach to their first free-agency period under president of baseball operations David Stearns. The decision was primarily influenced by the revised timeline the Mets implemented for themselves at last season's trade deadline. 

Nonetheless, the Mets upgraded their defense and depth by signing several reclamation projects to short-term deals, with former Yankees RHP Luis Severino being their most intriguing addition. The two-time All-Star signed a one-year, $13M deal this offseason and had a career-worst 6.65 ERA across 89.1 innings pitched last season. Severino believes a significant reason for his struggles stemmed from tipping pitches, which he feels he's found a solution to this offseason. 

Top storyline to monitor this spring? 

Whether an already concerning starting rotation can handle adversity.

The Mets' pitching staff entered spring training with questions, as the team added multiple pitchers who could be considered back-end of the rotation arms to take on pivotal roles. However, it's much more imperative that the rotation exceeds expectations following Thursday's news that All-Star right-hander Kodai Senga will open the season on the injured list with a moderate right posterior capsule strain in his right shoulder. Senga had a 2.98 ERA as a rookie last season. There is no timetable for his return. 

The Mets' Opening Day rotation will likely consist of Severino, Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea, Adrian Houser and Tylor Megill, which isn't ideal. Among these pitchers, only Quintana posted a sub-4.10 ERA last season (3.57). 

Are there any prospects we should pay attention to?

While the Mets have three near-MLB-ready arms in RHPs Christian Scott, Mike Vasil and Dominic Hamel, Stearns told reporters Thursday that the team prefers them to pitch in the minors more this season. A mid-season call-up for any of the three cannot be ruled out, but keep an eye on INF/OFs Jett Williams and Luisangel Acuna, as well as outfielder Drew Gilbert in spring training.

Williams, New York's top prospect, advanced rapidly through its minor-league ranks in 2023, starting his first full professional season with Single-A St. Lucie and eventually being promoted to Double-A Binghamton by the year's end. The 5-foot-6, 20-year-old posted a .876 OPS and .425 on-base percentage in the minors last season while collecting 13 home runs, 55 RBI and 45 stolen bases.

Acuna and Gilbert were acquired at last season's trade deadline for future Hall of Famers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, respectively. In 121 games at the Double-A level, Acuna – the brother of reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. – slashed .294/.359/.410 with nine home runs, 63 RBI and 57 stolen bases. Meanwhile, Gilbert compiled a .271 batting average with 12 HRs and 41 RBI after being called up to Double-A last season. 

Position players whose performances will impact the team's ceiling? 

Obviously, New York won't succeed with poor efforts from first baseman Pete Alonso and shortstop Francisco Lindor. Therefore, we'll highlight two of the team's X-factors this season: catcher Francisco Alvarez and right fielder Starling Marte. 

Outside of Alonso, Alvarez is New York's top power hitter, and if the budding star can take the next step in his development – and be more consistent – he could drastically alter the team's 2024 outlook. In 2023, Alvarez joined Hall of Famer Johnny Bench as the only two catchers in MLB history to hit at least 25 home runs in their age-21 season or younger. 

Marte was an integral piece of New York's 101-win team in 2022, but his performance was hindered in 2023 after he underwent surgery on both sides of his groin last offseason. Marte finished the 2023 season with a .248 batting average and .625 OPS with five home runs and 28 RBI in 86 games before being shut down in August. Now fully healthy, Marte must show signs of his former self or an up-and-coming prospect could quickly replace him.