CLEVELAND — The New York Mets are focusing on winning baseball as they move past the trade deadline, according to interim manager Andy Green. The team secured a 6-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday at Progressive Field, the opening game of a three-game series. Key contributions included catcher Luis Torrens, who went 3-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs, as well as homers from Carson Benge and Bo Bichette. Left-hander Sean Manaea pitched six innings, allowing two earned runs, and fellow lefty Nate Lavender made his major league debut.

While the Mets are out of playoff contention and face uncertainty surrounding next season due to a possible lockout, the franchise plans to use the remainder of the 2024 campaign to develop its young talent. The focus lies on nurturing rookies such as A.J. Ewing, Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, and Zac Thornton, encouraging a culture of competitiveness and resilience despite the team’s struggles. Green emphasized the importance of the players maintaining belief and an expectation to win on a daily basis, rather than adopting a losing mentality.

Veteran players will also be closely evaluated, particularly Kodai Senga, Luis Robert Jr., and Jorge Polanco, all of whom are expected to remain with the team next season. The Mets are exploring using Senga in high-leverage relief roles, a departure from his regular starting duties. Green noted that Senga’s skill set, including a fastball that can reach 100 miles per hour and a sharp forkball, could make him an effective late-inning reliever. However, the team acknowledges the need for Senga to adjust both strategically and mentally to succeed in this new capacity.

Luis Robert Jr., a center fielder, was considered a potential trade candidate but remained with the team due to injury concerns and questions about his willingness to play regularly. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns expressed optimism about Robert’s presence over the next couple of months and highlighted a club option for 2027 that would pay Robert $20 million if exercised.

With the Mets having traded many pitchers at the deadline, playing time for outfield prospects like Benge and Ewing is expected to increase. However, Robert is currently limiting opportunities for Triple-A outfielder Nick Morabito. Green said the team plans to rotate young position players consistently while managing their workloads to ensure they endure the demands of a full major league season.

As the Mets prepare for the future amid ongoing uncertainties, the emphasis remains on cultivating a winning mindset and assessing whether the team’s veterans and rookies can contribute to a more competitive campaign ahead.