The New York Mets are set to open the 2023 season against the Miami Marlins.
It will be a battle of Cy Young award winners: three-time winner Max Scherzer will take the hill against the 2022 honoree, Sandy Alcantara.
The Mets had a heart-breaking end to their 2022 campaign, losing the NL East lead in the final week and being relegated to a Wild Card spot.
There, they were swept by the San Diego Padres.
They want to leave it all behind, though.
To do that, they made a series of signings and trades to fortify an already strong roster.
Here is how the final product looks like heading into the season.
Your 2023 New York Mets. #LGM pic.twitter.com/CW7uVp9NIb
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 30, 2023
Unfortunately, Edwin Diaz can’t fascinate fans this year because he injured his knee at the World Baseball Classic, eventually requiring surgery.
Also injured is starting pitcher Jose Quintana, one of the offseason acquisitions.
The Mets have enough depth to compete, but Diaz’s injury could be particularly painful.
The rotation is set with Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga, Carlos Carrasco, and David Peterson.
However, news dropped today that Verlander will miss a few starts with an injury.
That is yet another tough blow to all the Opening Day excitement.
The presence of Tomas Nido and Omar Narvaez left star prospect Francisco Alvarez without a roster spot.
Also in Triple-A will be Brett Baty, another top prospect who is expected to contribute this year.
Tylor Megill couldn’t make the rotation, but will get a chance to fill Verlander’s spot for now.
There is enough firepower on offense for fans to dream about a deep playoff run: Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Starling Marte (who recovered from offseason surgery), Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha, Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, and more.
The 2023 Mets are looking awfully strong on paper.
NEXT: Fans React To Today's Justin Verlander News
