The New York Mets are serious contenders in 2023, as they were in 2022.
In the last two offseasons, they have added the pieces to make a run at the World Series trophy.
Unfortunately for them, the current playoff format gives everyone a chance and values things like winning streaks, pitching, and defense more than consistency over a long period of time.
It happens: in the world of professional sports, the best team doesn’t always win.
After adding Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga, Omar Narvaez, Brooks Raley, Jose Quintana and bringing back Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino and others, the Mets have created a fearsome powerhouse and are ready to go all-out again.
Diaz himself said what the team is trying to accomplish this year.
“”Our expectation is to win the championship,” he said without shying away from the question.
"Our expectation is to win the championship."
📽️ More Edwin Díaz on the upcoming Mets season: pic.twitter.com/z8nqw8kp4X
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 14, 2023
Diaz knows the team has to deal with pressure and high expectations.
He has been doing that since he became a big leaguer and had to face not only batters, but also huge expectations and a demanding fan base.
If Diaz can have a similar season to the one he had in 2022, then the Mets will definitely have a chance.
This past season, he finished with a 1.31 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 62 frames.
With his fastball-slider combination, Diaz can retire just about every living entity that swings a bat.
He knows it and acts like it, which is everything a closer needs.
The Mets are relying on him and are paying him a hefty sum, so expectations, both at the individual and collective level, are still sky-high.
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