Fansided

3 players who could make or break Mets World Series chances

By Kevin Henry

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 26: Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 26: Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Mets, Eduardo Escobar
May 29, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar (10) hits a game winning RBI double to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 in ten innings at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

Mets make-or-break player for 2023: Eduardo Escobar

There is a reason why the Mets went after Carlos Correa when his physical with the San Francisco Giants raised some eyebrows in the Bay Area. Third base was not a strength for the Mets in 2022 with Escobar holding down the position, slashing .240/.295/.430 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI. It’s not that the numbers were horrible, but they were below his career slash line, sounding some alarms in Queens.

However, it’s a new season and Mets manager Buck Showalter and others in the organization are confident in an Escobar rebound this season. According to reports, Escobar was dealing with “family issues” last season that left him emotionally drained by the time the first pitch was thrown. Reportedly, those issues are resolved, allowing Escobar to focus fully on his job.

A rebound for Escobar will be a good sign for the Mets, but another lackluster start to the season will certainly stir up plenty of discussion about the 34-year-old Escobar and his role with the team (his contract expires at the end of the season, although there is a team option for 2024 in place).

While the Mets are extremely strong in many areas, this is one position that is a bit of a question mark heading into the campaign. Escobar’s early offensive production will be a barometer for the Mets and their direction as the MLB trade deadline draws near.

Home/New York Mets