We’re 10 games into the 2024 season, and the Mets’ record sits at 4-6. It’s way too early to make full assumptions of the team or any individual player. But we knew coming into the season that David Stearns’ first offseason would, for the most part, be highlighted by rounding the roster out at its fringes. Let’s check in and see how primary players Stearns brought in have done.

New Hitters

  • Harrison Bader: He’s off to a 5-for-26 (.192) start with no extra-base hits, but he’s only had eight at-bats against lefties, whom he’s much better against. He’s played a fine center field.
  • Zack Short: Short has been used largely as a pinch runner, and he has one hit in three at-bats.
  • Joey Wendle: The 33-year-old, who posted a 50 OPS+ last season, has reached base once (via walk) in eight tries. He also has a glaring error in a clutch spot when playing the field. Wendle and Short have felt redundant, but Wendle so far has been trusted more with starting.
  • Tyrone Taylor: Taylor has been the best new hitter Stearns has brought in so far. He’s 7-for-27 (.259) and has a .666 OPS, had a game-winning hit and already has a memorable defensive moment.

The biggest signing, J.D. Martinez, is down in Port St. Lucie getting his swing right and ideally will join the team within the next week or so. There’s been a lot left to be desired with Stearns’ additions on offense so far.

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

New Pitchers

  • Sean Manaea: This is the best signing Stearns has made so far. In two starts, Manaea has allowed one run in 11 innings (0.82 ERA) and has struck out 14. He’s been getting opponents to chase and whiff at really good rates, and he’s limited super hard contact so far.
  • Adrian Houser: Acquired via trade, Houser is an end-of-the-rotation guy. He’s had just one start (with another coming tonight), and he looked as such.
  • Luis Severino: Severino has been the victim of some tough defense so far, but he’s pitched his way to a 3.60 ERA through two starts. He’s battled injuries much of the last four years, so health will be his primary goal moving forward.
  • Jorge López: Despite the hard contact in Atlanta on Monday, López found a way to lock down a big game for the Mets. He’s been used as a B-tier reliever so far, and that’s perfectly fine if he pitches to those expectations this year. Seven base runners in 5.2 innings is less than ideal, but again—expectations aren’t sky high.
  • Jake Diekman: Diekman’s allowed just one hit in 3.1 innings… but he’s struggled to find the strike zone, walking three… and three of those four base runners have scored.

The Mets have designated two signings—Michael Tonkin and Yohan Ramirez—for assignment over the last two weeks, and Julio Teheran, who was signed when Tylor Megill went on the injured list, had a rough first outing in Atlanta. He was just designated for assignment, too. Cole Sulser worked an inning in Atlanta, too.

The success of the Mets team—especially their offense—will rely on its starts, but these players will be the difference on if they’re a Wild Card team or not. We’re just 6% of the way through the season. Enjoy!