Here's who wins our Mets' April Awards for best performances

Things looked bleak for the Mets early on during the 2024 season.

They were 1-5 after their opening two series against the Brewers and Tigers before heading into a pair of rough road series with the Reds and Braves.

But since the calendar turned from March to April, the Mets pieced together better performances. In the middle of the month, they returned home and kicked off a six-game winning streak with a sweep of the Pirates and series win over the Dodgers. They entered Tuesday night's game with a fitting .500 record at 14-14.

So who provided the best performances to lift the Mets off the mat and produce a 15-11 record in the month? Here are the Mets' top producers and performances from the opening month of the 2024 season:

Hitter of the Month: Starling Marte

The Mets outfielder might not have the gaudiest numbers after the opening month of the season but there has not been a more-needed resurgence for the team than that of Marte. When the 35-year-old made his debut in 2022, he hit 16 home runs, drove in 63 runs and stole 18 bases on his way to his second All-Star selection. Last season, coming off double groin surgery, Marte never got off the ground.

Now fully healthy, Marte has returned to producing some of the key offensive production that the Mets have been hoping for. In a welcome sight, Marte is batting a team-best .288 with four home runs — one less than his 2023 total — 12 RBI, 16 runs and six stolen bases. In 22 April games, Marte produced 10 multi-hit efforts including a pair of games with three hits.

Honorable mentions: Pete Alonso, Tyrone Taylor

Reliever of the Month: Reed Garrett

As the rain fell down and attrition set in for the Mets' pitching staff, Reed Garrett got the call-up from Triple-A Syracuse following Tylor Megill's placement on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. It appeared like a potential temporary move, but Garrett grabbed a stranglehold on a bullpen spot through continuous dominating efforts.

After nine appearances, the 31-year-old journeyman has grabbed five wins, tied for most in MLB, going 5-0 with 28 strikeouts in 15⅔ innings, including a 0.96 WHIP and his first career save. He joined Jesse Orosco as the only Mets relievers with five wins in a calendar month. Garrett has tormented opponents with the breaking ball: slider, sweeper and splitter. The splitter has been his most useful pitch, producing 17 strikeouts and a 69 percent whiff rate.

Honorable mentions: Brooks Raley, Adam Ottavino

Starting Pitcher of the Month: Luis Severino

The Mets signed Severino to a one-year, $13 million contract in the offseason to try and see a glimpse of the form that the 30-year-old right-hander exhibited earlier in his career with the Yankees. There might have been some concern after Severino surrendered six runs (three earned) on 11 hits in his Mets debut on March 30.

Since his rough open, Severino has looked like the ace of the Mets' staff in the midst of Kodai Senga's absence. In five April starts, Severino was 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 30 innings. He had a perfect game through four innings against the Giants and followed it up with seven hitless innings against the Cubs on Monday night.

Severino has benefitted from the addition of a sweeper, more effective sinker usage and a more dynamic cutter.

Honorable mentions: Jose Butto

Prospect of the Month: Christian Scott, Triple-A Syracuse

After being named the Mets' Minor League Pitcher of the Year following the 2023 season, the 24-year-old right-hander is banging on the door of the major leagues after his first month in Triple-A Syracuse.

Through the opening month of the season, Scott has posted a 3-0 record with a 3.20 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in 25⅓ innings. Scott's 36 strikeouts are the second-most in the International League behind Pirates prospect Paul Skenes. He has recorded seven or more strikeouts and limited opponents to two earned runs or fewer in four of his five starts.

Honorable mention: Alex Ramirez, Double-A Binghamton

Defensive Play of the Month: Tyrone Taylor catch vs. Braves on April 8

With the Mets leading by two runs and a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth inning, it appeared that Marcell Ozuna had extra bases and an RBI when he ripped a line-drive into the left-field corner off Pablo Lopez.

Taylor had other ideas, ranging to his right and leaping at the warning track to rob Ozuna of the hit. The Mets would hold on for an 8-7 win, with Taylor's catch serving as one of the major moments to help the cause.

Honorable mention: Brett Baty's dive to rob Reds' Spencer Steer on April 5

Offensive Performance of the Month: Francisco Lindor two HR game

The Mets were staring down a losing California road trip and sweep at the hands of the Giants before Lindor came through with one of the best offensive efforts for the Mets this season. The Mets shortstop belted a pair of home runs to right center field and finished 4-for-5 with four RBI in an 8-2 victory over the Giants.

It was a big performance for Lindor in the midst of a tough month, during which he slashed .208/.296/.396 with five home runs, 11 RBI and 19 strikeouts.

Honorable mention: Pete Alonso's 200th career home run

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets best players 2024: See who wins our April Awards