The 2024 New York Mets overachieved, to say the least. In this article, we reminisce on the highs and lows while noting personal milestones. The player of the year, my choice, will be named shortly after.
While several Mets have underachieved due to the pressure and high expectations placed upon them, others have gone the extra mile and put in that work.
The team as a whole seemed to come together despite entering the season in potential “rebuild mode.” They had questions surrounding the talent that would eventually be the cornerstones and faces of the franchise for the future.
Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Fransisco Alvarez, Ronny Mauricio and LuisAngel Acuna are among those viable options and the obvious answer remains to see who is tradeable and who is a long term option.
However much you may think one of the baby Mets has provided the much needed offensive surge, this season wasn’t salvaged by one of them. In fact, it came from a player somewhat their senior.
Enter Fransisco Lindor. A Shortstop, 30 years of age, he’s become a lethal offensive player who is capable of changing the game with one swing. Atop highly appraised offensive capabilities, he excels defensively, making the case that he could be the best shortstop in the National League at this moment.
Lindor simply doesn’t stop at leading in the offensive categories and making standout plays, he is a natural competitor and his leadership that he possesses is really what the turning point in this season should be credited due to.
Post glove throw into the stands mid June, when former Mets SP Jorge Lopez and his fast falling Mets were deemed doomed, Lindor had quick thinking to do.
The call to action was a players only meeting.
He then proceeded to hit a 2 run blast of his own to propel his team to victory.
Grimace might have helped. Let’s face it, a cartoon character isn’t the hero here. He isn’t playing defense and swinging a bat, nor is he rallying up the players and saying, wake up everyone!
Let me tell you something. The stats never lie.
In 2024, he’s sported a 7.0 WAR, hit 33 home runs, drove in 91, batting .273 with a .344 OBP.
I could go on and on about the team as a whole, yet when someone steps up and takes initiative to make a positive impact, that deserves the highest recognition.
Some players are pure talent. Lindor is purely talented and he deserves to be the team captain.
Sure, I’ve previously written that that title belongs to Pete Alonso.
What I’ve seen from Lindor is someone who states adversity and obstacles in the face and says “bring it on!”
That’s the guy you want leading your team.
Congratulations Fransisco Lindor. Your amazing work ethic and pure dedication, true talent and courage has earned you my nod to player of the year, Mets baseball.
I expect great things from you for many years to come. Mets fans are blessed to have a leader such as yourself.
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