Major Mets Players to Tackle Most Designated Hitter At-Bats in 2024
In the upcoming 2024 Major League Baseball season, the New York Mets are looking to strengthen their lineup, particularly at the designated hitter (DH) position. The team's DHs struggled last season, ranking 21st in baseball with a combined .715 OPS.
Mark Vientos, a promising young talent, is expected to get the first opportunity to secure the Mets' DH role. In his first two years in the majors, Vientos has a .205 batting average and .610 OPS with 10 home runs and 25 RBI. Projections for Vientos' performance in the 2024 season suggest a .239/.308/.429 slash line (.737 OPS), 16 home runs, and 50 RBI.
However, Vientos may not have the DH role exclusively, as Brett Baty is projected to get the starting third-base job. If Baty needs a break, Vientos could backup him at third base, or the Mets may use Jeff McNeil at DH when Vientos is out of the lineup.
DJ Stewart, who was not initially part of the Mets' plans in June of 2023, has made a strong comeback in the second half of the season. In 58 games and 160 at-bats, Stewart had an .822 OPS, 11 home runs, and 26 RBI. His performance has earned him a key role for the team in 2024, and he has the opportunity to secure a regular role in the majors, something that has eluded him for more than a decade. Stewart is expected to play in the Mets' outfield, potentially in both right and left fields.
Starling Marte, who played in only 86 games in 2023 due to offseason groin surgery, neck injury, and migraine problems, had a .625 OPS. This was significantly lower than his .814 OPS in his debut season in Queens two years ago. The DH role is crucial for the Mets to keep Marte fresh for the 2024 season. However, given Marte's usual profile as an outfielder and base-stealer, if with the Mets, his role at DH would be less typical and likely situational.
The Mets are not planning to spend excessively on an external option to lengthen their lineup. Daniel Vogelbach is no longer an option for the Mets' DH spot. The acquisition of Harrison Bader means Brandon Nimmo may move to left field, creating an outfield shuffle for the Mets in 2024.
The Mets' DHs had the third-worst BABIP (.256) in the league last season, indicating that they had poor batting average on balls in play. Improving this statistic will be crucial for the team's success at the plate in 2024.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5]
Mark Vientos, a promising young talent, is projected to compete for the Mets' designated hitter (DH) role in the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, while also potentially backing up Brett Baty at third base if needed. DJ Stewart, who demonstrated a strong comeback in the second half of the 2023 season, might also have an opportunity to secure a regular role at the Mets' DH.
