The New York Mets approach the upcoming season with intrigue following a disappointing 2023 campaign that fell short of expectations. Fans, eager for a return to the top after decades of struggle, find themselves cautiously optimistic. While there’s talent on the team, it’s not enough to set high expectations. The possibility of a similar record to last year’s 75-87 wouldn’t be surprising. All signs point to owner Steve Cohen investing heavily in free agency next year. In 2024, the focus is on assessing current talent and planning accordingly. Yet, in baseball, the unexpected is always around the corner. Tim Britton of The Athletic discussed the potential trade of prospects for Dylan Cease if the Mets were contenders nearing the deadline. While it would be surprising, baseball’s unpredictability makes anything possible. Britton suggests the Mets might opt for smaller acquisitions over a big move for Cease, even though he’d be a significant asset. This strategy would make more sense for a team on the playoff fringe.