NY Mets: Top 3 fan favorite emerging players to keep an eye on

The 2023 New York Mets are needy for a household name to step up and give fans a reason to be excited in these difficult times here in Queens. Here’s 3 players that could very well fit this description and come up big, winning the love and respect of the Mets’ faithful.

Before we get into the deeper side of this, it’s worth noting that while the team is revamped and the organization opted to get younger at nearly every spot on the field, trading away some older yet respectable names such as Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander and David Robertson at the trade deadline, it’s up for the taking and the opportunity is more prevalent among the clubhouse.

So here goes.

3. Right Fielder, DJ Stewart.

Stewart has impressed in his first year in a New York Mets uniform. Coming over from the Baltimore Orioles, where he spent 5 years, he’s shone brightly and rose to the occasion, leaving fans hopeful during games. Stewart, who is 29 years old, has become arguably the team’s most clutch hitter in recent weeks, he’s managed to hit 6 home runs, 12 RBIs, in 61 at bats and he’s batting .246 on the year.

In his 6 year career, he’s hit 32 home runs, 85 RBIs, and has a .216 batting average.

Stewart’s best career year with his former team, the Baltimore Orioles, was most certainly 2021. That year was his standout best one, where he batted .204 in 100 games, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 33 runs.

Stewart has been a valid source of run support for the Mets and he’s got some power to show for. While he continues to swing a hot bat and be a reason Mets faithful can smile, it’s fair to assume he’s respected by the fans lately. If he continues to deliver in big situations it’s clear he can become a fan favorite that many will enjoy for years to come.

#2 Catcher, Fransisco Alvarez

While the expectations were set fairly high for the highly regarded and touted prospect this year, when put to the test, rookie catcher Fransisco Alvarez has exceeded expectations. While it’s just his first year in the big leagues, he’s provided the Mets with quality defense behind the plate and a good batting resume for his first year in general.

In 303 at bats, he’s got 67 hits, 21 home runs, 46 RBIs, and is batting .221.

He’s just 21 years old so the team has plenty of more years to watch Alvarez get even better and potentially have a breakout year in which he can lead the league in some categories that many power hitters do.

It’s fair to assume he’s turned heads with the rather solid year he’s had, his 2024 should look to be even more promising.

#1 Starting Pitcher, Kodai Senga

Before I tell you his stats, I’m going to repeat this phrase again. This is just his first year with the team. There’s so many of these types of guys delivering big and giving their all.

Enter 30 year old Kodai Senga, who’s earned every part of his $14,000,000 deal. He’s given the Mets a respectable 10-6 record and has a 3.19 ERA, with 154 Strikeouts and a 1.25 WHIP.

Senga brings a positive work ethic atop a good array of pitches such as the ghost fork, which baffles hitters, limiting the damage and getting the job done efficiently.

He’s listed at #1 here on my list because he’s already so adored by fans who back the Orange and Blue.

Look for these 3 Mets to have amazing years and become fan favorites in the coming years, if they aren’t yours already. They can’t and just haven’t disappointed lately.